In 2025, the immigrant community is facing not only stricter immigration policies but also a wave of misinformation that causes fear, confusion, and harmful decisions. False narratives continue to circulate on social media, in everyday conversations, and even in some news outlets, damaging the image of those who are simply working hard to build a better life in the United States: my Latin people!
Hi, everyone! I’m attorney María Mendoza. As an immigration specialist, I’ve heard things like, “No one can fix their papers under this government,” or “If you came in without papers, there’s no way to fix your status.” The truth is very different. That’s why, based on the law, current data, and my experience helping hundreds of immigrant families, I’m here to talk about five of the most common immigration myths in 2025.
Myth 1: “All immigrants cross the border illegally.”
False. Many people enter the U.S. legally with a tourist, work, or student visa. If they stay beyond the permitted time, they fall into a situation known as “overstay.”
According to the latest DHS Entry/Exit Overstay Report, an average of 4 out of every 100 travelers with a business (B-1) or tourist (B-2) visa overstayed their authorized time in the U.S. This resulted in an overstay rate of 3.87% in 2023.
While this is considered an irregular immigration status, there are legal ways to fix it. In many cases, people can adjust their status without having to leave the country.
Options like the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative or humanitarian visas—such as VAWA, U Visa, and T Visa—are valid legal paths available for those who qualify.
I’ll tell you more in this video: I entered the U.S. with a tourist visa. Can I fix my status?
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Myth 2: “Immigrants are a burden on the economy and take jobs from U.S. citizens.”
Nothing could be further from the truth. Immigrants are a vital part of the U.S. economy, especially in industries such as construction, agriculture, and domestic work.
In 2025, this myth is even easier to debunk. According to CNBC, increased immigration raids under the Trump administration have led to a critical shortage of workers in the construction industry.
Industry experts warn that this labor shortage is worsening the skilled worker crisis. Projections indicate that up to 500,000 construction jobs will remain unfilled in the coming months, directly impacting the economy and infrastructure development in key U.S. cities.
More on this topic: How Trump’s immigration crackdown is affecting the entire country.
Myth 3: “Immigrants don’t pay taxes.”
Completely false. Millions of immigrants—including those without legal status—do pay taxes in the United States, and they do so for important reasons.
First, it’s important to know that you don’t need legal status to fulfill tax obligations. Many immigrants file taxes each year using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Why do undocumented immigrants pay taxes? Here are three key reasons:
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To comply with the law and contribute like any other taxpayer.
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To show good moral character, which is often required for immigration relief or residency.
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To protect themselves during immigration proceedings, since a clean tax record can make a big difference in a case.
As an immigration attorney, I’ve seen countless clients file taxes for years—without expecting benefits—simply because they’re committed to building a legal future.
Also watch: Can you fix your papers if you owe taxes?
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Myth 4: “Mass immigration is a threat to American culture and identity.”
This myth ignores a fundamental truth: the United States is a nation of immigrants. From the early European settlers to today’s generations of immigrants from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, diversity has always been the cultural, economic, and social engine of this country.
Just like President Trump’s own family, the first waves of immigration came from European countries, like England, Ireland, Germany, and Italy. And long before that, this land was home to Native American peoples whose ancestors migrated across the Bering Strait over 15,000 years ago. So, no immigration has ever been a threat to American identity. It has shaped and enriched it.
Nowadays, more Americans are embracing this diversity. A recent Gallup poll showed that 79% of Americans see immigration as something positive for the country, the highest level in 25 years. This shift isn’t just among Democrats: Republican support for immigration jumped from 39% to 66% in just one year.
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Myth 5: “No one can fix their papers under the current administration.”
False. This is one of the most dangerous and paralyzing immigration myths in 2025. Yes, enforcement has indeed increased—raids are more common, there are more detentions, and case reviews are stricter. But immigration laws are still in place. And while policies may get tougher, we’re still winning cases.
As an immigration attorney, I’ve witnessed how—even in the most difficult moments—there are still legal paths forward for those willing to fight for their future. Humanitarian visas like VAWA, U Visa, and T Visa; family petitions, I-601A Waiver; or court defense strategies—these are still real, valid options. Even if you entered without papers, have a deportation, or a complicated history, you might still have a chance.
What makes the difference? A legal strategy tailored to your situation, and professional support from a team with real experience in these types of cases. It’s not just about filling out a form—it’s about building a strong, compelling, and well-documented case. And our results speak for themselves: we continue getting work permits, Green Cards, and Bona Fide Determination letters for people who once thought they had no way out.
See real stories here: How we win immigration and residency cases.
While the government carries out raids and deportations, my team and I are working every day to open doors, protect families, and rebuild lives with dignity, justice, and the safety our immigrant community deserves. Schedule your free evaluation today, because being an immigrant in the U.S. is not a crime. It’s an act of courage, hope, and the tireless pursuit of a better future.
¡La lucha sigue!
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