Threat or Help?: The Effects of Unskilled Immigrant Workers on National Productivity Growth

Abstract

While unskilled immigrant workers have relatively low formal human capital, theory suggests that they can still contribute to productivity improvements by helping to increase efficiency and upgrading the skills of the native labor force. Empirical studies indicate that positive productivity effects do occur. This body of evidence does not provide a compelling argument for the closing of national borders to unskilled foreigners on economic grounds.

Keywords: Indigenous Peoples Law, Indigenous Communities, Indigenous Peoples, Labor Markets, Plastics & Rubber Industry, Textiles, Apparel & Leather Industry, Pulp & Paper Industry, Food & Beverage Industry, Business Cycles and Stabilization Policies, Construction Industry, Common Carriers Industry, General Manufacturing, Migration and Development, International Migration, Human Migrations & Resettlements