Joint PRAM Jobs Knowledge Platform Seminar

Welcome and Introduction

• The seminar features Professor George Bojas, a leading expert on immigration and labor issues.
• The Jobs Knowledge Platform involves collaborations with several vice presidencies and international think tanks.
• Focus on immigration policy as a central aspect of job creation and economic development.

Speaker: Professor George Bojas

• Robert W. Scrittner Professor of Economics and Social Policy at Harvard Kennedy School.
• Author of over 125 articles and several books on immigration and labor economics.
• Known for significant contributions to the debate on immigration policy.

Key Questions in Immigration Economics

• What are the determinants and consequences of immigration?
• Economic impacts on both source and destination countries.
• Are there winners and losers due to immigration?
• Implications for the construction of immigration policy.

Historical Context of US Immigration Policy

• Pre-1875: No restrictions on immigration.
• 1875-1924: Increase in restrictions, particularly against specific groups.
• 1924: National origins quota system introduced.
• 1965: Shift to family preference system.

Current Immigration Trends

• 3% of the world's population lives outside their birth country.
• The US admits about 1 million legal immigrants per year.
• Breakdown of legal immigrants: Family preferences, employment-based, refugees, and diversity visas.
• Significant illegal immigration (~11 million people in the US).

Economics of Immigration

• Wage gap between immigrants and natives has grown since 1960.
• Selection of immigrants influenced by wage differentials and rates of return on skills between countries.
• Impact on source and host countries’ labor markets.

Economic Impact on Wages

• Supply and demand model suggests increased immigration decreases wages for certain skill groups.
• Studies show negative correlations between immigration and wages, but debate continues.

Fiscal Impact of Immigration

• Increase in immigrant households receiving assistance.
• Legal framework since the 17th century aimed to prevent public charges.

Policy Implications and Challenges

• Immigration policy requires balance between economic benefits and social objectives.
• Objective functions play a crucial role in shaping policy.
• Point systems used by countries like Canada and Australia.
• Importance of identifying and addressing redistribution effects.

Discussion and Debate

• Questions on identity, cultural impacts, legalization, and general equilibrium effects.
• The role of the World Bank and other institutions in addressing migration challenges.

Conclusion

• Immigration policy is complex, influenced by economic, social, and political factors.
• Essential to define clear objectives and consider all stakeholders in policy formulation.