Oil City News publishes letters, cartoons, and opinion pieces as a public service. The content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Oil City News or its employees. Letters to the editor can be submitted through the link in the Opinions section.
Examining Common Myths Surrounding Immigration
Dear Casper,
The national conversation on immigration often centers around two prominent narratives: one suggesting that immigration is linked to rising violent crime rates, and another portraying immigration as detrimental to America.
These narratives underscore a common theme: the belief that immigrants are unworthy of protection, rights, and humane treatment. However, this perspective is rooted in fiction—myths that have emerged from centuries of prejudice against those deemed “outsiders.” Such bigotry only serves to bolster white supremacy, jeopardize America’s future, and unjustly affect the millions of hardworking immigrants who consider America their home. Therefore, it is critical to dismantle these myths with factual evidence.
Myth #1 posits that immigration is the cause of increased violent crime rates. This assertion frequently recirculates through national media, social platforms, and casual discussions. Measures aimed at restricting immigration and increasing ICE presence in communities are often framed as necessary responses to violent crime. Yet, this is fundamentally flawed for two reasons.
First, violent crime rates in the United States have been on a decline since the late 1990s. According to FBI statistics, violent crime peaked in 1991 at 758.18 crimes per 100,000 people, dropping to an expected 359.10 in 2024—the lowest figure in half a century. The perception that violent crime is rampant today is primarily fueled by the increase in its visibility through social media.
Second, immigrants are not the predominant perpetrators of crime. Historical data spanning nearly two centuries consistently shows that immigrants commit fewer crimes than U.S.-born citizens. The American Economic Association notes that in 2019, U.S.-born men were incarcerated at a rate of approximately 3,000 per 100,000, while the rate for immigrants remained below 1,500 per 100,000. This pattern holds true at the state level as well. For instance, a 2019 study by the CATO Institute found that undocumented immigrants in Texas were 37.1% less likely to be convicted of a crime compared to U.S.-born citizens. The narrative erroneously connects immigration with crime and fails to recognize the reality.
Myth #2 claims that immigrants are detrimental to America’s values, economy, and job market. Many Americans grew up believing that the United States is the epitome of freedom, yet they were also taught that external forces threaten this ideal. The narrative that immigrants are “taking all the good jobs” or “failing to pay taxes” while “imposing foreign values” is devoid of truth.
The Center for Immigration Research’s 2025 report indicates that illegal immigrants will constitute approximately 8.5 million individuals in the labor force by 2024. It argues that there are more available jobs in the U.S. than unemployed residents to fill them, a figure that also includes the undocumented population. Thus, American workers’ job prospects remain unaffected by immigration, whether legal or illegal. Moreover, significant job growth in industries such as electrical and industrial engineering, home health care, medical research, and hospitality—fields often populated by highly skilled immigrants—contradicts the idea of competition over jobs.
Efforts aimed at mass deportation could hamper these industries, leaving many positions unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates. The real issue facing the American labor market is not a shortage of opportunities, but rather the inadequate wages and benefits that do not meet the basic living needs of residents, such as access to healthy food, clean water, housing, and healthcare. Blaming immigrants for the scarcity of “good jobs” fails to address the root causes of economic disparity.
Moreover, illegal immigrants contributed $96.7 billion in taxes in 2022, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Much of these funds support public systems and services, such as Medicare and Social Security, that undocumented immigrants are not entitled to. It is illogical to overlook the significant economic contributions and purchasing power of this demographic.
Prejudice against immigrants poses a real danger. It undermines the American ethos of unity in diversity and inflicts harm on actual lives. Individuals fleeing oppression and poverty, seeking new opportunities, or pursuing long-held dreams are part of the fabric that makes this nation.
Fear has often been weaponized against vulnerable populations. By dispelling the myths that fuel this fear, we can diminish its impact. The United States has welcomed millions from diverse backgrounds since its inception 250 years ago. Immigrants have historically strengthened our nation, and it is a disservice to deny their meaningful contributions and humanity. We must strive to challenge these falsehoods and nurture an inclusive society that embraces the principle that everyone belongs under the banner of “We The People.”
Written by Kathryn Morgan and Keenan Morgan for the Wyoming Initiative
casper
Legal Protections: A Comparative Inquiry
Dear Casper,
Who has greater legal protection: a goldfish or a human baby?
Recently, at a teenage house party, a guest tragically died after swallowing his pet goldfish. The individual now faces potential prison time under the state’s animal cruelty laws.
Meanwhile, in Casper, the shocking reality of more than 1,000 human newborns being lost to what some refer to as reproductive health care prompts no equivalent outrage.
While I sympathize with the families mourning their pets, where is the justice for the families of these young children? Why is there no moral outcry against the loss of human life?
Ross Schriftman
casper
Reflection on Political Ideals
Dear Casper,
Our leaders need to embody logic, reason, civility, tolerance, and compassion. I support the Democratic Party because I believe in free and fair elections, strong public schools, Medicare for All, and the rights and dignity of immigrant neighbors and LGBTQ+ individuals. I also advocate for diverse energy solutions and the preservation of our public lands.
Janet de Vries
casper
