
New Books in Economics Zeke Hernandez, "The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers" (St. Martin's Press, 2024)
Jan 16, 2026
Zeke Hernandez, a Wharton School professor and author of "The Truth About Immigration," explores the critical role immigrants play in boosting investment and economic growth. He challenges harmful narratives by revealing that newcomers foster innovation and job creation. Hernandez shares insights from his extensive research, debunking myths about immigration's negative impacts. He also discusses the historical significance of immigration laws and how current domestic migration mirrors these concerns. Ultimately, he paints a hopeful picture of immigration's benefits for society.
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Quiz Revealed Widespread Ignorance
- Zeke created a 10-question quiz to test public knowledge on immigration during talks around the U.S.
- He found audiences, including congressional staffers, typically answered only about three questions correctly.
Translate Research Into Plain Narratives
- Communicate evidence clearly to reduce public ignorance on immigration facts.
- Hernandez recommends scholars present rigorous findings in accessible narratives to influence debate.
Renewal Requires New People
- Societies without new inflows of people and ideas stagnate like a swamp and lose vitality.
- Zeke Hernandez argues a “lake” society requires continual migration to renew innovation and growth.





