More Unsubstantiated Claims About Immigration Producing Economic Growth

MoneyWatch, September 12, 2013 has an article about a new employer-sponsored study by Duke public policy and economics professor Jacob Vigdor that claims “Immigrants are a key part of the American success story at the community level, revitalizing local areas and creating economic growth and jobs for U.S.-born workers.”

Among the assertions in the article is this by Jeremy Robbins, director of the Partnership for a New American Economy – one of the organizations that commissioned the study, “…communities with higher rates of immigration retain more manufacturing jobs than areas with fewer immigrants.”

Think about that. Which seems more logical; immigrants generate more manufacturing jobs, or manufacturing jobs attract more immigrant workers? If the latter is more likely, the statement by Robbins is senseless.

Jack Martin: Jack, who joined FAIR’s National Board of Advisors in 2017, is a retired U.S. diplomat with consular experience. He has testified before the U.S. Congress, U.S. Civil Rights Commission, and U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform and has authored studies of immigration issues. His national and international print, TV, and talk radio experience is extensive (including in Spanish).