Most Americans don't know the first thing about the immigration process (and why would they?), but media coverage of immigration issues doesn'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't "trying to come in". They'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't "keep America great". Instead, It will make America smaller, poorer (in every sense), and economically more vulnerable. 5/5