Immigration and the US Economy

Ever since the Americas were discovered by explorers, they attracted millions of immigrants. The US, in particular, became a magnet of sorts for prospective immigrants. Although there were several reasons for this, the main reason was better economic prospects. Immigrants usually came from countries where there were few opportunities. The US, sometimes referred to as the 'Land of Opportunities', was where these immigrants hoped to achieve a higher standard of living – something that they felt their own country would be unable to provide. The US was home to some of the best universities in the world and had been attracting students from all corners of the globe...

Demographic Effects

With a steady flow of immigrants, the demography of the US had been changing over the years. Immigration had contributed significantly to the increase in US population, though there were other factors like a declining infant mortality rate (from 100 per 1,000 births in 1900 to less than 10 per 1,000 births in 2000), and an increasing average life expectancy (from 47 years in 1900 to 77 years in 2000).

According to the Census Report published in 2002, the country's population grew from 76 million in 1900 to 300 million in 2006...