Immigration in the U.S.: Should the U.S. take a more or less restrictive approach to immigration?

Abstract

The U.S. is at a crossroads, regarding its immigration policy. Considering the harm principle by John Stuart Mill and the categorical imperative by Immanuel Kant, Americans should not look to a more restrictive approach to immigration unless there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the cost of immigration outweigh its benefits. Yet, empirical evidence suggests that the effects of immigrants on the government budget, crime rates and the wages of working class natives are negligible, while the increases in standard of living experienced by immigrants themselves after moving to the U.S. are not. The slight negative impact on the native population, estimated by some of the studies reviewed, is likely outweighed by the gains made by immigrants. Additionally, the U.S. economy has become dependent upon immigrant labor, further suggesting that there is no basis to support a more restrictive approach.