580. The True Story of America’s Supremely Messed-Up Immigration System
Freakonomics Radio
The Economic Impact of Immigration in the United States
The United States has been the top immigrant destination due to its social freedom and economic opportunities. Immigrants are 80% more likely to start a business in the US than those born in the country. Immigrant STEM workers contributed significantly, accounting for 30-50% of aggregate productivity growth between 1990 and 2010. Despite comprising only 14% of the population, immigrants have a productivity impact at least two to three times higher than their share, indicating they are making a disproportionate economic contribution.
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