Economist's Opinions about Immigration

In America, it seems the citizens usually hold a negative opinion about immigration throughout our history. The current debate, fueled by the corporate media, appears to be magnifying the negative opinion with few scientific facts illuminating the debate.

It's a sad statement on our current corporate media that they are not infusing the current dialogue with FACTS.

Since the economy is a major argument in the case against immigration (Illegal or Legal) then polls soliciting the opinions of economists are a factor that should not be overlooked in the debate about closing our borders and lowering the numbers of immigrants we will allow in.

Survey of Top Economists

   These are the full poll results:

On balance, what effect has 20th-century immigration had on the
nation's economic growth?


Economists     (percent)

Very favorable       80

Slightly favorable   20

Slightly unfavorable --

Very unfavorable     --

Don't know           --


What level of immigration would have the most favorable impact on
the U.S. standard of living?


Economists     (percent)

More           63

Same number    30

Fewer           0

Don't know      7


Do you feel that recent immigrants are qualitatively different in
economic terms than immigrants in past years?


Economists               (percent)

More negative impact     11

About the same impact    76

More positive impact     4

Don't know               9


What impact does illegal immigration in its current magnitude
have on the U.S. economy?


Economists                        (percent)

Illegals have a positive impact    74

Illegals have a neutral impact     11

Illegals have a negative impact    11

Don't know                                    4

(Source)