One of the topics being argued in the immigration reform debates is the net effect of immigrants on our country’s economy. Ricardo’s Law of Comparative Advantage suggests an influx of new labor would be beneficial. (Calculations based on viewing immigrants as “new labor” are extremely conservative, because people contribute to society and the economy in ways not rooted in physical toil.) Experience with previous waves of immigrants reinforces that conclusion.
As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t much matter. Yes, it would be a shame if it made us less wealthy, but even if that were the case, I don’t believe it would justify preventing immigration. People deserve freedom, especially those who’ve had to chase it. The fact that immigrants make us more prosperous is just a bonus.
