The Missing Pieces of the Immigration Debate

The question of the impact of immigration on the host country has long been controversial, but it has risen to the forefront of political debates in recent years. Unexpected political shifts such as the Brexit vote and the election of President Trump have been attributed to voter concern about immigration. The debate has largely centered on whether immigrants displace native workers and/or reduce native wages, but this narrow focus on native labor market effects is incomplete. To really understand the economic consequences of immigration, one must also consider the effects on the other pillars of economic growth (innovation and investment), as well as the role of the firm. In this presentation, Dr. Glennon will provide an overview of the economic effects of immigration, as well as a discussion of some of the unintentional consequences that arise when policymakers restrict immigration.