Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to The New Coffee Room. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Immigration; One Economist's View
Topic Started: Apr 4 2006, 05:46 AM (106 Views)
big al
Member Avatar
Bull-Carp
From Michael Evans of Industry Week Magazine Let 'em in -- and let 'em stay


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

February was the 41st consecutive month in which FLorida created more jobs than any other state in the nation, according to the Agency for Workforce Innovation. Simulataneously, BLS announced that the unemployment rate in FL was 3.2% -- and the unemployment rate for the southeast counties -- Miami/Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach -- was also 3.2%. Last year, the state added 295,400 jobs, equivalent to a 3.8% increase, compared to a national average increase of 1.5%.

Why is Florida growing so rapidly?

For those still recovering from yet another snowy winter, the answer might seem to be the weather. Well, yes, it's pleasant down here during the winter months. But with 8 major hurricanes over the past 2 years, this isn't exactly paradise.

A better answer might be lower tax rates. But several other states have similarly low tax rates and aren't growing nearly as fast.

So the surprise answer is: immigration. The state is thriving from all the immigrants who arrive daily -- some by air, some by boat, and some by swimming -- and, given the chance for a better life, work hard and are exemplary citizens. The "swimming" isn't exactly a joke; according to official U.S. law, if Cuban refugees arrive here during high tide, they are allowed to stay, but if they show up during low tide, they are sent back. No, don't ask me to explain it.

I realize there are two sides to this issue, and many well-meaning people think that unlimited immigration would lead to all sorts of economic and social problems. I'm not going to argue the social issues pro or con in this space. But I can tell you that the economic argument that immigrants are taking jobs away from "honest Americans" is pure bunkum. Down here we have one of the highest rates of immigration anywhere in the country, and we also have the lowest unemployment rate of any major state or metropolitan area. Also, the state of FL has a huge surplus this year, and most of the debate in Tallahassee is how best to give it back to the voters. The Broward County Liberals think the extra money ought to be spent, but fortunately hardly anyone listens to them.

In any case, Florida is Exhibit A for the combination of high immigration, rapid growth, and budget surpluses. There are jobs down here for anyone who wants one, and according to some estimates, there are 3 vacancies for every qualified applicant.

If immigrants are willing to work hard, study to become good citizens, and pay their taxes, I can think of no valid reason to exclude them. On balance, they create additional jobs and boost real growth in the areas that permit immigration. Let them in -- and let them stay.

Location: Western PA

"jesu, der simcha fun der man's farlangen."
-bachophile
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
FrankM
Member Avatar
Senior Carp
My understanding is they are contributing mightily to the rebuilding of New Orleans. According to one contractor, they are snapping up jobs ignored by indigent New Orleans residents.

One concern I have is, if there is a sharp US economic downturn, will the affected illegal aliens be dumped on our Welfare system? I have no problem with that but I’d expect it would agitate many presently neutral US citizens.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Rick Zimmer
Member Avatar
Fulla-Carp
This is really not surprising.

Anecdotally, if one looks at the states with the strongest economies and the ones which are growing the most, there is a strong correlation between economic growth and immigration -- both legal and illegal.

This oly makese sense inasmuch as people create economic activity. Economic activity creates jobs. Jobs create economic strength.

In a similar vein, the Pew Trust came out with a poll late last week indicating that legalization of illegal immigrants was supported most in states with large illegal immigrant populations and opposed most in states with smaller such populations. It seems those of us who are most in contact with undocumented aliens and who live where their benefit is felt most genrally want them to stay.
[size=4]Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul -- Benedict XVI[/size]
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
FrankM
Member Avatar
Senior Carp
Rick Zimmer
Apr 4 2006, 09:45 AM
This is really not surprising.

Anecdotally, if one looks at the states with the strongest economies and the ones which are growing the most, there is a strong correlation between economic growth and immigration -- both legal and illegal.

This oly makese sense inasmuch as people create economic activity. Economic activity creates jobs. Jobs create economic strength.

In a similar vein, the Pew Trust came out with a poll late last week indicating that legalization of illegal immigrants was supported most in states with large illegal immigrant populations and opposed most in states with smaller such populations. It seems those of us who are most in contact with undocumented aliens and who live where their benefit is felt most genrally want them to stay.

I’m glad you added the "in contact" part because I’ve found them to be exceptionally nice people in general as well as conscientious, hard workers.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
tcmod
Member Avatar
Senior Carp
hispanics (I won't venture a guess about their legal status) are building every house in raleigh/cary area. There are a LOT of new houses going up. This place is booming. Who would build them if these guys weren't here? The poor whites and blacks have had ample opportunity and still do if they don't mind some hard work and yet they wont dare lift a hammer or board for anyone..including their own families.

I hope they stay firm to their own work ethics and don't pick up the sorry "American" work habits.
Dead girls don't say no, but you still have to buy them flowers
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
« Previous Topic · The New Coffee Room · Next Topic »
Add Reply