As an economics graduate I am repeatedly hearing spurious assertions made regarding this issue. Immigration CAN of course be beneficial, especially in the short-term.
Maintaining the current taxpayer/beneficiary ratio would require millions of immigrants every year. But IMMIGRANTS GET OLD, too. So still more immigrants would be needed to pay their benefits – one estimate suggest 180 million by 2080.
Low cost workers stifle investment, as companies continue to use cheap leabour instead of investing in technology which could ultimately replace labour. Technologhical advancement is the source of real per capita economic growth. Depressed wages also affect the poorest people - which can have social/political consequences - the rise of the BNP?
Immigrants do play a vital part in our economy, importing skilled workers to bridge a shortage gap is a good thing - the NHS is an example. But just how ethical it is to poach medical staff from the poorest countries of the world?
2007-05-12
06:54:38
·
24 answers
·
asked by
Nesbo
1
in
Immigration