July 27th, 2024

The rich world revolts against sky-high immigration

Recent trends show increasing opposition to immigration in wealthy nations, with significant support for deportations in the U.S. and calls for reduced migration in Australia and the UK, reflecting economic concerns.

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The rich world revolts against sky-high immigration

Recent trends indicate a growing backlash against immigration in several wealthy nations. In the United States, over half of the population now supports the deportation of all undocumented immigrants, a significant increase from one-third in 2016. In Australia, only 10% of citizens favor increased immigration, a notable decline from previous years. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer aims to reduce reliance on immigration by enhancing domestic workforce training, while his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, has expressed intentions to halve net migration, citing issues with the current migration system. The political landscape is further influenced by figures like Donald Trump, who has promised mass deportations if he regains the presidency, a stance that resonates with populist movements across Europe. This shift in public sentiment raises questions about the economic implications of such policies, as moderates advocate for limits on immigration while more radical factions push for extensive deportations. The evolving attitudes towards immigration reflect broader concerns about economic stability and national identity in these countries.

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By @ggm - 3 months
> ...rich countries, which have ageing populations, will need more workers who are young and keen to work. This is because few politicians are talking about measures such as drastically raising the retirement age or how to make health care much more efficient.

And

> Crucially, the new arrivals often work in unglamorous, poorly paid but nonetheless vital industries, including construction and health care.

Which is why the article also says:

> Some anti-immigration measures, especially large-scale deportations, could prove immensely damaging to economies.

By @ggm - 3 months