New Books in Public Policy Zeke Hernandez, "The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers" (St. Martin's Press, 2024)
Jan 16, 2026
Zeke Hernandez, a Wharton professor and author of *The Truth About Immigration*, shares insights drawn from nearly two decades of research on migration's role in economic growth. He challenges the villain and victim narratives surrounding immigrants, presenting them as vital contributors to prosperity. Hernandez discusses how newcomers enhance innovation, create jobs, and revitalize communities. He emphasizes the importance of immigration for societal health, arguing that immigrants drive cultural enrichment and economic dynamism, debunking common misconceptions about their impact.
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The 10-Question Quiz Revelation
- Zeke created a 10-question quiz about basic immigration facts to engage audiences during talks.
- He found groups across the political spectrum averaged only three correct answers, showing widespread misinformation.
Rejecting Villain-Victim Frames
- Public debate frames immigrants as either villains or victims, which are both misleading extremes.
- Hernandez argues the correct frame is that immigrants are net positive contributors who improve society in self-interest terms.
Lake Versus Swamp Societies
- Societies need continual inflows of people, ideas, and investment to stay healthy rather than stagnate.
- Zeke Hernandez compares closed societies to swamps and open ones to thriving lakes to illustrate the point.
