Poverty is relative: Case of Hispanic Immigrants

This well thought out article in the Washington Post, examines a different side of the Immigration and poverty issue. I find opposing views to mainstream arguments rather compelling and worth examining; one because I am a rebel, two because I understand that 'its' never black or white, three because I know innovation requires a departure from the norm.
I am particularly drawn to her play on 'relative income'. Often economists ignore the psychological aspects of purchasing power, mostly due to the difficulty involved with any attempts at measuring non-tangible quantities. Money, by itself does not possess any intrinsic value, the value of money derives from what it can purchased(purchasing power), abi I lie. This argument can be extended, that is, materials (stuff money can buy) have no value except that which it provides upon consumption. Abeg do not argue with me as per this statement I do not want to go into details here its only going to make this post longer.
Back to the article, I wonder if this analysis applies to Nigerian immigrants, are remittances by the Nigerians that have chosen to seek greener pasture large enough to offset the brain drain brought upon our dear motherland, Hey this statement is made holding all things(economy) constant. I don't have an answer but its definitely worth examining.
An excerpt from the article, its worth your 3 minutes i promise.
Those who use poverty to disparage immigration will continue to argue that immigrants -- particularly those here illegally -- hurt the U.S. economy. The reality is that rather than increasing poverty rates in this country, Hispanic immigrants are helping decrease poverty rates south of the border -- and with that they are doing more than anyone else to stem the future flow of immigration