I was not planning to publish two media articles on the same day, and certainly not on the day of a major Supreme Court decision. But today, audienceThe British publication My New Article has published my new article on why opening the door to immigrants is not only a charity for immigrants, but also good for locals in the receiving countries. I did not intend for this article to be published on the same day as my article send Articles on issues related to awakening and nationalism. But that’s the timeline for both publications. Of course, conspiracy theorists (not just Warlock conspiracy theorists) will suspect collusion!
Unfortunately, audience Hyperlinks are generally not included, which is why they are not included in this article. However, this article is largely based on a longer paper planned to be published by the Institute of Economic Affairs. IEA paper based on my 2023 data public affairs quarterly Article “Economic Freedom for Immigrants and Natives.” I will post a link to the IEA document once it is released. In the meantime, here’s an excerpt from audience piece:
Nigel Farage says the 2024 election “should be an immigration election”. The reform leader’s wish has come true: the topic of immigration has become a major focus of debate. This is also a major issue in the US presidential election. Much of the debate in both countries portrays immigrants as a burden that the receiving country should accept simply out of altruism or a sense of obligation, if at all. But this is misleading and ignores the many benefits immigrants bring to the UK and other receiving countries.
Accepting immigrants is the right thing to do, in part because it could save thousands of people from a lifetime of poverty and oppression…. But opening the door to these people would also benefit Britain. Immigrants work, start businesses, and contribute to scientific innovation at higher rates than native-born citizens. This greatly benefits current British citizens as well as immigrants themselves….
The United States is often considered a “country of immigrants.” But Britain also has a long history of welcoming immigrants and benefiting from their contributions. Huguenot Protestant refugees fleeing French repression in the 17th and 18th centuries played an important role in the early development of the British economy and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. More recently, Jews and other refugees fleeing Nazi Germany have contributed to scientific developments, including weapons systems that were crucial to winning World War II. In the post-war period, immigration from South Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and elsewhere contributed greatly to Britain’s economic growth and scientific research….
Today, in the UK as in the US, immigrants play a disproportionate role in starting new businesses. A 2023 study found that 39% of the founders or co-founders of the UK’s 100 fastest-growing companies were immigrants, despite immigrants making up only 14.5% of the UK population. Immigrants to the UK are also more likely than natives to start businesses and engage in other types of entrepreneurship. These businesses contribute to growth and innovation and provide valuable employment opportunities for immigrants and locals alike….
The benefits of immigration can actually save lives. The development of the first two successful Covid-19 vaccines was largely due to immigrants or their children. Some worry that immigration will overburden government budgets. But in reality, most immigrants contribute more to the public purse than they take away. Economist Jonathan Portes found government figures showing the recent increase in immigration – some 350,000 more than previously expected – could net government revenue by around £5bn a year. The long-term financial benefits of more immigration are likely to be greater….
Elsewhere in the article the issue of illegal immigration is discussed, along with the argument (increasingly prominent in the UK) that immigrants cause housing shortages.
I am about to depart for the UK where I will be giving a number of lectures and presentations, including on immigration-related topics.
