ON APRIL 12th almost 1,500 economists of varied political hues wrote to Donald Trump, urging him to consider the advantages of immigration. The benefits to America “far outweigh” the costs, they explained. Not only are immigrants often skilled (especially in the sciences) and entrepreneurial, they also tend to be young. As the baby-boom generation enters retirement, a demographic counterweight will come in handy.
Mr Trump, who did not win the presidency by listening to economists, proceeded to order a review of high-skilled visas on April 18th. The order is vague; his language was not. “We’re going to defend our workers, protect our jobs and finally put America first,” he said. On this issue the wonks can stand firm: highly educated immigrants are indisputably good for America. Still, they should not claim too much. As a treatment for America’s long-term budgetary malaise, immigration is probably more of a painkiller than a cure.
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Source: United States http://ift.tt/2pGJHtX
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