Here's Why Immigration Policy Matters So Much For The US Economy
Jan 17, 2025
auto_awesome
Derek Wallbank, a Senior Editor at Bloomberg, shares insights on the crucial role immigrants play in the U.S. economy. He discusses the misleading narrative that immigrants drive down wages and the potential consequences of a massive deportation plan on job growth and inflation. Wallbank also contrasts illegal and legal immigration, shedding light on the mixed opinions regarding skilled labor within Republican circles. Finally, he touches on how immigration policies impact economies globally, sharing lessons from countries like Canada and Australia.
Immigrants significantly contribute to the U.S. economy by filling crucial job vacancies and driving innovation across various industries.
Mass deportation proposals could lead to economic chaos, removing millions of workers and exacerbating job losses and inflation within the labor market.
Deep dives
Impact of Immigration on the U.S. Economy
Immigration has a significant and positive impact on the U.S. economy, with approximately one in five workers being an immigrant. Many leading companies, such as Microsoft and Tesla, are headed by immigrants, underscoring their contribution to innovation and economic growth. Economists generally agree that immigration bolsters the economy, with the Congressional Budget Office indicating that it increases federal revenue more than it raises costs. Prominent figures, like the late Lee Kuan Yew, have described immigration as a 'secret weapon' of the U.S. economy, enhancing its ability to attract global talent and innovation.
Challenges of Mass Deportation
The prospect of mass deportation under proposals from political figures could have catastrophic effects on the labor market, potentially removing over 8 million workers. Such a sudden reduction in the labor force could disrupt numerous industries and lead to significant economic challenges, including job losses and inflation. Critics argue that simply replacing these workers with native-born Americans is not feasible, highlighting the complexities involved in the labor market. Limited actions such as targeting individuals with criminal records may have a smaller impact, but even these could lead to substantial societal and economic consequences.
Political Divisions on Immigration Policy
Immigration remains a contentious political issue within the U.S., with various factions holding differing views on how to manage it. While influential business leaders advocate for increased skilled immigration, others push for stricter enforcement and reduced immigration overall. The Republican party is divided on this matter; some members, including those aligned with former President Trump, are at odds with professionals from the tech sector who wish to expand access to talent via programs like H-1B visas. This division mirrors global trends, as many advanced economies grapple with similar immigration debates that influence domestic politics.
Immigrants have long been part of the economic success story of the United States. Many economists and business leaders credit immigration for filling vacancies across the economy, but Donald Trump and many of his allies accuse immigrants of lowering wages and taking jobs from native-born Americans. He's pledged to crack down on illegal immigration and carry out the biggest deportation plan in US history. But what would that mean for growth, inflation and employment? Bloomberg Senior Editor Derek Wallbank joins host Stephen Carroll to discuss.