Immigration and the Labor Market: Myths Busted and Realities Revealed

The belief that immigrants take jobs from native workers is widespread but unsupported by rigorous research. Immigrants often fill positions that natives avoid, complementing rather than competing with the native workforce.

Studies, including the famous Mariel boatlift natural experiment, show little to no negative impact of immigration on native wages or employment. In some cases, immigration has even been found to boost wages for certain native groups by enabling higher specialization and productivity.

Restrictive immigration policies, designed to protect native workers, can backfire by causing labor shortages, reducing business productivity, and accelerating automation that displaces workers altogether.

Balanced immigration policies that respond to labor market demands are essential for maintaining economic growth and social stability.

For comprehensive insights, see economic research volumes and policy books analyzing immigration’s labor market effects. 1 4