Does Immigration Really Make Traffic Worse?
Let’s get right to the heart of the matter: does an influx of immigrants actually clog up our roads and highways? This claim pops up in debates, often with a lot of heat but not much light. Stephen Miller, a political figure known for his hardline stance on immigration, recently argued that immigrants are to blame for worsening traffic congestion. But does this argument hold up when you look at the facts?
What the Data Actually Shows About Population Growth and Traffic
It’s easy to assume that more people means more cars, and more cars mean more traffic. But the reality is a bit more nuanced. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, traffic congestion is influenced by a cocktail of factors: urban planning, public transit options, economic growth, and yes, population changes. But pinning it all on immigrants doesn’t add up.
A 2023 study from the Brookings Institution found that cities with high rates of immigration don’t necessarily have worse traffic than those with lower rates. In fact, some of the most congested cities in the U.S.—think Los Angeles and Atlanta—have seen congestion rise and fall based on infrastructure investments and local policies, not just population shifts. It turns out, traffic is more about how cities are designed and managed than who’s moving in.
How Immigrants Actually Change Urban Mobility
Here’s something you might not expect: immigrants are less likely to drive alone to work compared to native-born Americans. The American Community Survey shows that recent immigrants are more likely to use public transportation, carpool, bike, or even walk. In New York City, for example, immigrants make up a significant portion of subway and bus riders. This means that, rather than jamming up the highways, many immigrants are actually helping to keep traffic in check by using alternative modes of transportation.
There’s also the economic angle. Immigrants often fill essential jobs in public transit, infrastructure maintenance, and city planning—roles that keep cities running smoothly and help manage congestion. So, the narrative that immigrants are simply adding cars to the road misses a big part of the picture.
The Real Culprits Behind Traffic Jams
If we’re looking for someone to blame for traffic jams, we might want to point the finger elsewhere. Urban sprawl, underfunded public transit, and outdated infrastructure are the usual suspects. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s 2022 Urban Mobility Report highlights that cities investing in robust transit and smart growth strategies see less congestion, even as their populations grow.
Take Seattle as a case study. Over the past decade, the city’s population—including its immigrant population—has boomed. Yet, thanks to major investments in light rail and bus rapid transit, traffic congestion has actually improved in some areas. The lesson? It’s not about who’s moving in, but how cities adapt and invest.
Why This Myth Persists
So why does the myth that immigrants worsen traffic persist? It’s simple: traffic is frustrating, and it’s human nature to look for a scapegoat. But blaming immigrants is a distraction from the real solutions—like better transit, smarter zoning, and infrastructure upgrades.
It’s also worth noting that immigrants have historically been easy targets in political debates, especially when it comes to issues that affect daily life. But when you dig into the numbers and listen to urban planners and transportation experts, the story changes.
What Can Cities Do to Keep Traffic Moving?
If you’re tired of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the answer isn’t to close the borders. Instead, cities should focus on proven strategies: expanding public transit, encouraging carpooling, investing in bike lanes, and updating traffic management systems. Cities like Portland and Minneapolis have shown that these approaches work, even as their populations grow and diversify.
The big takeaway? Blaming immigrants for traffic is a red herring. Real progress comes from smarter city planning and investment—not finger-pointing. Start with one change this week, whether it’s taking the bus or supporting local transit initiatives, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.
