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.
Industry Reviews
'This book tackles the most important academic question confronting recommendations for 'free labor' - whether too much of a good thing at the margin becomes a bad thing. The book consolidates all of the existing research - and then adds more, and then adds more, and then adds even more. It will be a standard work on this question for some time.' Lant Pritchett, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
'Read this penetrating analysis of immigration and see why there is still a case for the wealth creating powers of the free movement of people as well as goods in international trade. If people don't cross borders, we will be less prosperous.' Vernon Smith, Chapman University and 2002 Nobel Laureate in Economics
'Many thinkers fear the effect of immigration on our policies, our democracy, and our liberty, but barely anyone tries to actually measure these effects. Wretched Refuse? does just this with skill, care, and calm - and ends up being the best book ever written on this subject. Combining a thorough review of past research with much original social science, Nowrasteh and Powell conclude that the immigration pessimists are paranoid. The political effects of immigration have been benign for centuries, and remain so today.' Bryan Caplan, George Mason University and co-author of the New York Times best-selling Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration
'In Wretched Refuse?, Alex Nowrasteh and Ben Powell consider - and ultimately reject - the claim that immigrants import ill-suited institutions from their home countries, thereby undermining economic growth. In this clear-eyed treatment, the authors bring a wealth of evidence to bear, both modern and historical, that, if anything, immigrants are transformed by their adoptive societies and support rising productivity. This lucid volume should be of interest to economists and policy makers interesting in designing smart immigration policy.' Leah Boustan, Princeton University
'Wretched Refuse? takes head-on the claim that the direct economic benefits of immigration are offset by indirect costs such as corruption, terrorism or the erosion of cultural norms. With careful empirical analysis, looking both across countries and at case studies, Nowrasteh and Powell show convincingly that there is little or no evidence to substantiate such fears. This is a timely and important contribution to the broader economic case for liberalising immigration policy.' Jonathan Portes, King's College London
'... highly original, and takes a chainsaw to the most intellectually respectable case against immigration ... they demolish a big argument against existing levels of immigration, and suggest that most rich countries would benefit from being more open. Mr Biden and his advisers should devour their book.' The Economist
'... a must read for anyone interested in better understanding the historical and social forces governing immigration law, anti-immigrant movements, and the contributions of immigrants to society ... this work offers thought for positive transformation and progress toward social change, equality, and justice in difficult and uncertain times ... Highly recommended.' M. G. Urbina, Choice
