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Immigration: A Growing Concern in the US Election

America is a nation of immigrants, but the issue of migration has become a divisive topic in the US, with voters across the board showing increasing unease about the surge in asylum seekers and border crossings. Republicans are particularly concerned about this issue, with a 40 percentage point gap in concern between them and Democrats.

Why is Immigration a Concern?

Many Americans are worried about the economic and social pressures that come with an influx of migrants. For instance, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York is concerned about the cost of migrant care, which has prompted her to push back against taxes on the super-rich and congestion pricing. Similarly, in Massachusetts, voters are calling for reform of the shelter system and the treatment of migrants sleeping in public spaces.

But Is Immigration Really the Problem?

Some argue that migration is actually the solution to many of the US’s economic problems. According to Torsten Slok of Apollo, the foreign-born labor force has increased by 11% since February 2020, while the native-born labor force has remained flat. This means that the entire growth in the US labor force is coming from immigration. In fact, immigrants are a key reason why the US has robust growth and low inflation, making them an attractive solution to labor shortages and inflation.

Businesses Agree

Trade groups representing construction workers, restaurant and hotel workers, and others are advocating for immigration reform, citing the need for more workers in lower-wage sectors. In fact, there are studies showing that more immigration of lower-skilled workers can boost the wages of native-born workers as well.

What Does This Mean for the Economy?

If the attitude towards migrants were to change under a second Trump administration, it could have a dramatic impact on the US economy. A Swiss chemical company CEO, for instance, told me that he is eager to invest more in America, but is struggling to find skilled staff. Re-industrialization in sectors such as manufacturing, where older staff have retired and there has been little interest among younger people, will exacerbate this trend.

What Can Be Done?

Some argue that a more balanced approach to immigration is needed, with a focus on getting higher-skilled immigrants into the US, as well as lower-skilled workers. This could involve a mix of short-term and long-term solutions, including guest worker programs and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

Conclusion

Immigration is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects many different aspects of the US economy and society. While there are legitimate concerns about the pressures that come with an influx of migrants, there are also strong arguments for why migration can be a solution to many of the US’s economic problems. As the US approaches the next election, it is crucial that policymakers take a balanced approach to this issue, considering the needs of both businesses and workers.

FAQs

Q: What is the current state of immigration in the US?
A: The US is experiencing a surge in asylum seekers and border crossings, with voters across the board showing increasing unease about the issue.

Q: Why are Republicans more concerned about immigration than Democrats?
A: There is a 40 percentage point gap in concern about immigration between Republicans and Democrats, with Republicans being more obsessed with the issue.

Q: What are some of the economic benefits of immigration?
A: Immigrants are a key reason why the US has robust growth and low inflation, and there are studies showing that more immigration of lower-skilled workers can boost the wages of native-born workers as well.

Q: What is the role of businesses in the immigration debate?
A: Many businesses are advocating for immigration reform, citing the need for more workers in lower-wage sectors. Trade groups representing construction workers, restaurant and hotel workers, and others are pushing for immigration reform.

Q: What is the future of immigration in the US?
A: The future of immigration in the US is uncertain, with the next election likely to have a significant impact on the issue.

Author: www.ft.com

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