Some Thoughts on Immigration: The Property Rights Connection

Abstract

Most articles and books that have been written on immigration policy start from a utilitarian position. They discuss issues such as whether immigration, on balance, is more harmful than beneficial, whether allowing immigrants into the country results in job losses, increases in welfare costs, aids in economic growth, and so forth. This article is distinctly different in focus. Although utilitarian themes are discussed, this article places the main emphasis on the relationship between property rights and immigration policy.

Part One reviews the utilitarian arguments that have been made in connection with immigration policy. Part Two discusses the balancing of interests argument, which attempts to arrive at solutions to immigration problems by balancing the interests of immigrants with the interests of those who are affected by immigration. Part Three examines the public policy rationale for placing restrictions on immigration. Part Four applies property rights theory to immigration policy. The article concludes that utilitarian approaches, which includes the balancing of interests argument, suffer from fatal defects, as does the public policy argument. The real solution to immigration problems must be found in a policy that recognizes and respects property rights.

JEL Classification: D23, F22, J61, K11