A large and growing body of evidence shows that accepting
refugees is often economically savvy. In the U.S., where hostility
toward immigrants is palpable this campaign season (witness the rise of Donald Trump),
the country faces a looming wave of baby boomer retirements, which
younger foreign workers could help offset with taxes, dollars, and
productivity. (For more on the age wave, see “Chart of the day: The first world is aging.”)
Beyond that, immigrants start businesses twice as often as native-born
Americans, they are disproportionately likely to work instead of collect
unemployment, and—contrary to the campaign rhetoric—they aren’t taking
our jobs. A 2014 review that surveyed 27 studies globally on the topic
found that while wages in some situations might suffer and others might
improve, there was no overall depressing effect.
refugees is often economically savvy. In the U.S., where hostility
toward immigrants is palpable this campaign season (witness the rise of Donald Trump),
the country faces a looming wave of baby boomer retirements, which
younger foreign workers could help offset with taxes, dollars, and
productivity. (For more on the age wave, see “Chart of the day: The first world is aging.”)
Beyond that, immigrants start businesses twice as often as native-born
Americans, they are disproportionately likely to work instead of collect
unemployment, and—contrary to the campaign rhetoric—they aren’t taking
our jobs. A 2014 review that surveyed 27 studies globally on the topic
found that while wages in some situations might suffer and others might
improve, there was no overall depressing effect.
What’s more, refugees can deliver even more of an economic
boost than typical immigrants. According to one study, refugees who
arrived in the U.S. between 1975 and 1980 were earning 20% more than
other immigrants by 1990. And they may have additional motivation to
excel, says Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow Ted Alden,
because many feel they’re getting a “second chance on life.”
boost than typical immigrants. According to one study, refugees who
arrived in the U.S. between 1975 and 1980 were earning 20% more than
other immigrants by 1990. And they may have additional motivation to
excel, says Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow Ted Alden,
because many feel they’re getting a “second chance on life.”
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