Explaining attitudes towards immigration : is there an “ immigration surplus ” ?
نویسنده
چکیده
Why is there such wide-spread opposition to immigration, although attitudes are generally favorable towards trade? Using concepts from population ethics, this paper shows that impartial observers oppose unskilled immigration if they are inequality-averse, base their decisions on national interest, and have an integrative view of immigration. Moreover, unskilled immigration makes redistribution more costly, explaining why opposition to unskilled immigration is more pronounced than to other policies having an adverse impact on income distribution. In this context, the “immigration surplus” does not measure any efficiency gain and is of no direct relevance for attitudes towards immigration. JEL classification: D63, D71, F22
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