So far, no single decade has topped 1901-1910 for immigration admissions. Further, even though the United States has one of the world's most generous refugee resettlement programs, less than 1.5 percent of the world's refugee population finds its way to the United States. Xenophobia may also contribute to this misperception. Whereas from 1901-1910, immigrants were comprised mostly of white Europeans, immigrants of more recent decades have tended to be more ethnically and racially diverse. Also, increasingly high concentrations of immigrants in urban areas may have created the illusion of a growing, disproportionate number of immigrants settling in the entire country.
Immigrants are a burden on the U.S. economy.
New immigrants must prove that they won't be a burden before they are allowed to enter the United States. Compared to the native-born population, immigrants are more likely to be employed, save more of their earnings, and are more likely to start new businesses. Immigrants have a slightly higher per capita income than natives and a slightly lower household income. Non-refugee immigrants of working age are less prone to welfare than natives. Immigrants aren't really interested in becoming part of American society.