Most Americans don& #39;t know the first thing about the immigration process (and why would they?), but media coverage of immigration issues doesn& #39;t help as it also fails to explain or get right even some of the most basic facts. 1/

For example, "immigration" is usually equated with "getting in the country". However, around 50% of folks becoming permanent residents every year (getting their "green cards") ALREADY LIVE HERE. The proportion is even higher for H1B applicants (non-immigrant workers). 2/

More than 60% of H1-B applications are usually for "continuing employment", and of the remaining 40% of applications for "initial employment" between 40 and 50% are filed by aliens ALREADY IN THE US. 3/

In other words, A majority of those who will be affected by blanket bans on immigration and work visas aren& #39;t "trying to come in". They& #39;re already here, paying taxes, buying things, and contributing to society and the economy in a variety of ways. 4/

Making their lives miserable and forcing them them to leave wont prevent further spread of Covid and it won& #39;t "keep America great". Instead, It will make America smaller, poorer (in every sense), and economically more vulnerable. 5/5