Final answer:
Immigrants generally have a positive economic impact on the US economy by contributing to increased production and consumption. Issues arise primarily in the disruptions caused in low-skill labor markets, potentially reducing wages and modifying work hours for domestic workers.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, immigrants have a positive impact on the US economy. Immigrants contribute to increased production and consumption which benefits the economy as a whole. However, the surge of immigration can also create disruptive effects in specific labor markets, particularly when the influx of immigrants is weighted toward low-skill workers. This can lead to a reduction in wages for domestic low-skill workers and an alteration in employment patterns among high school students, as found in a study by Michael S. Clune.
For instance, it has been observed that for every 10% rise in the number of employed immigrants with no more than a high school diploma, domestic high school students reduce their annual number of hours worked by 3%. The full impact on other wage levels and the overall effect on government spending at the federal and local level are more complex and require further analysis to fully understand.