Immigration I

A proposed immigration bill is now on the table in the United States Senate, and it is disconcerting to see so much of the deliberative process has already degenerated in name calling. As I said in a much earlier post, this issue is one that ought to command the prayerful attention of all Christians. I’d like to address some economic and religious issues of the current debate in this and in some upcoming posts.

The economic issue I’d like to talk about today is the effect of illegal immigration on the job market. Supporters of immigration changes often say that illegal immigrants “do jobs that Americans won’t do.” Opponents are incensed by that phrase, saying that all that is going on is that the wages for some jobs are being artificially forced down by illegal immigration. Which viewpoint is correct? Unfortunately, this two-handed economist has to say: “both of them.” Anyone with economic understanding would have to acknowledge that illegal immigration shifts the supply curve of labor out, leading to (as least as a partial effect) downward pressure on some wages. However, it may also be the case that illegal immigrants have different preferences over certain kinds of work and leisure, meaning that they are more willing to accept employment (at given wages) for those kinds of jobs than American citizens. These two propositions should both be duly considered to be a legitimate part of the discussion on immigration policy; they shouldn’t become a part of some kind of “gotcha” debate over slogans.