Wretched Refuse?: The Political Economy of Immigration and Institutions

Economic arguments favoring increased immigration restrictions have been known to suggest that immigrants undermine the culture, institutions, and productivity of destination countries. But is this actually true? The authors systematically analyse cross-country evidence of potential negative effects caused by immigration relating to economic freedom, corruption, culture and terrorism. They then analyse case studies of mass immigration to the United States, Israel, and Jordan. Their evidence doesn't support the idea that immigration destroys the institutions responsible for prosperity in the modern world. This non-ideological volume makes a qualified case for free immigration and the accompanying prosperity.