Would the U.S. fall apart economically without immigration?

Answer 1

No. We would do just fine without any form of immigration. Just because a country is founded by immigrants, does not mean the process needs to continue to keep the country going. Anyways, the issue is illegal aliens, not immigrants.

Answer 2

Without any immigration at all it would take a hit. Even if there wasn't any illegal immigrants there'd still be a bit of trouble. America's a capitalist society, so they need money flowing in and out, moving around and going back again to keep everything going.

PLUS it's sad to say that immigrants, especially illegals, because there English usually isn't great, are used for jobs that most consider dirty or nasty or dangerous, just because they can't get anything better. It's sad but it's necessary. If there were no unfortunate persons out there cleaning toilets or working at conveyor belts, well, we'd end up having people with law degrees or something similar to do it, which means there'll be less law firms and the banks will be understaffed, ending up with less big money flying around, and the US economy ditching somewhat markedly.

Watch how something like a nationwide nurse's or teacher's strike hits the economy hard. It's the ripple effect. But the US is the largest economy in the world, so I'm sure it can take a fair bit and still keep coming.

Hope I've answered your question!

Answer 3

ANY immigration? Why would we want to stop ALL immigration? Skilled immigration is an entirely different subject. We are just saying that we need limits on poor immigration to protect our schools and services and need those limits enforced.

No, it would not fall apart, but we can craft a sensible immigration policy from the one we already have just by enforcing it and streamlining the H2 seasonal visa process (NOT changing their nature) for agricultural jobs. Then we can look at what increases in skilled visas might be sensible.

Answer 4

If you mean would large law breaking corporations lose some of their obscene profits, then yes. I assume you mean illegal immigration of course. Then would these corporations punish everyone for their losses? As much as possible. But it doesn't have to be that way. We have plenty of people to fill all available jobs, and yes Americans will do them. But at a fair rate of pay with decent benefits and a safe work environment. Why do people assume that this country will fall apart if everyone is made to obey the law? Or are laws only for people without money and power?

Answer 5

America is a NATION of Immigrants. What your Question should have asked was. Would America fall apart economically without ILLEGAL Immigration. And My answer would be NO!!!!!!! Whatever ILLEGALS can do LEGALS can do Better.

Answer 6

i assume we're resilient enough to not fall apart, but it would make things difficult. at the very least, there would be some things to adapt to.

the government would start "encouraging" women to have more babies.

more jobs would go overseas.

the businesses that hire many immigrants would go out of business, eliminating the jobs that they provided for non-immigrants as well.

social security would definitely go out the window.

salaries would go down in many industries.

prices on many goods would go up.

child care and domestic help would become too expensive for many people, so more women would have to stay home from work or the government would have to provide it (child care).

Answer 7

Here's a simple expirament to answer your question...

Think of your body as the US economy, some parts are better, harder working, more important, etc. But, they all work together to make things happen to the country (you in our expirament).

There are roughly 20 million illegals working in the US, or 5% of the workforce. So take a knife, and cut off 5% of your body. Preferably from part of your body that serves the role as hard labor (like an arm, leg, foot, or back), since this is typically the type of work that illegals do.

If this causes any pain, or makes any aspect of your life more difficult, then getting rid of all working illegals would be a bad idea. If the body part does not hurt, and/or instantly grows back, or any aspect of your life becomes better or easier, then getting rid of all illegals is a good idea.

Answer 8

NM505,

If we're going to use a body analogy, Illegals are more like a hemorrohoid.

They exist in crappy conditions, only occur in people who sit on their butts too much, and are extremely irriatating.

It would take a lot of Preparation H to deal with the illegals, though. And a hemorrohoid that was 5% of a body's mass would be a BIG, damn hemorrohoid. It would be like a tail...

Answer 9

The US would be substantially better off without illegal immigration. Immigration policy in general should be evaluated for its effectiveness in achieving US economic goals.

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-pOypG0szd7Pv_X1rQxw_4qCWpA--?cq=1&p=104

Answer 10

no immediately, it would take 5-10 yrs. The skilled immigrants(programmers, engineers, College professors, pharmacists, doctors, etc) would go to another country and that country would start to compete with America but not immediately.