Immigration and Wages

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how, today, there is a debate over working class immigration in the U.S. that focuses on the impact these new arrivals have on the U.S. economy. It looks at how there are those who argue that unskilled immigrants are a burden on the U.S. economy and, in contrast, how there are those who argue that the immigrant population is an asset. The paper attempts to show that, regardless of the view point, it is a fact that American citizens today are legitimately worried about the effects involved with immigration policies and how there is a controversial debate based upon issues of economics and unintentional racism.

From the Paper:

"In May of 2006, thousands of immigrants, organizations, and advocates organized protests and rallies around the nation. Advocates also organized a nationwide event, dubbed "A Day Without Immigrants." The organizers requested those who oppose the tight restrictions on immigration, mainly immigrants themselves to flex their economic muscle by boycotting all aspects of commerce, including going to work and school. The largest protests with approximately 300,000 demonstrators, was held in Chicago, Illinois. The predominantly Latino schools in the city saw a 10 to 33 percent drop in attendance. Some of the protesters waved the Mexican and American flags and carried signs that read, "We're not terrorists" and "We build your homes.""

Sample of Sources Used:

• Altonji, Joseph C., and Card, David (1991). "The Effects of Immigration on the Labor Market Outcomes of Less-skilled Natives." In Immigration, Trade, and the Labor Market, ed. John M. Abowd and Richard B. Freeman. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, pp.201-234.
• Borjas, George J. (2001). "Does Immigration Grease the Wheels of the Labor Market?" Brookings Papers on Economic Activity: 69-133.
• "Bush Immigration Reform Plan Draws Criticism" (2004). Fox News. January 8, 2004. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,107707,00.html.
• Card, David (2001). "Immigrant Inflows, Native Outflows, and the Local Labor Market Impacts of Immigration." Journal of Labor Economics 19 (January): 22-64.
• "Fact Sheet: Securing America Through Immigration Reform" (2005). The White House. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/11/20051128-3.html

More papers on Immigration and Wages:

• Article Review # 148538 : "Immigration and Assimilation"
• Analytical Essay # 138931 : "Immigration Act of 1990"
• Analytical Essay # 118775 : "Immigration: Wage Reducer or Economy Enhancer?"

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