Upstream Migration as Economic Imperialism w/ Immanuel Ness
Oct 7, 2025
Immanuel Ness, a professor and political economist, dives into the complex dynamics of migration as a form of economic imperialism. He explains how global capitalism, wars, and ecological crises drive migration while harming originating countries. Ness debunks the myth that remittances foster development, highlighting their limited impact. He discusses the exploitation of migrant labor in multinational firms and critiques anti-immigrant rhetoric in the U.S., urging for a humane migration system centered around skills transfer and reduced exploitation.
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Essential Yet Exploited Workforce
- Migrant workers are essential to Western economies while being despised and exploited.
- This dual status drives economic gains in destination countries but strips origin societies of capacity.
Remittances Don't Equal Development
- The remittances-as-development narrative misreads migration as a net developmental good.
- Immanuel Ness argues remittances often create dependency and underdevelopment rather than industrial advancement.
Researcher Grounded In Global Labor
- Immanuel Ness describes his background studying trade unions, labor, and migration across the Global South.
- He notes ongoing research in China and his editorship of the Journal of Labor and Society.
