Foundations of Immigration Reform

Published: March 13, 2019

America’s immigration system needs to be reformed in order to handle modern challenges of immigration. Long lines to get in exist alongside millions of undocumented immigrants already in the country. To deal with both of these problems, Congress should rebalance our system to encourage more work-based visas for those wanting to work in the US, and it should bring illegal immigrants back into the system through a special visa that puts them at the back of the line for permanent residency. 

Discussion Questions

• What are some reasons that encourage illegal immigration?
• What are the benefits of immigration for the US economy?

Additional Resources

• Read “An Immigration Game Plan for the New Congress,” by Edward Lazear in the Wall Street Journal, available here.
• Read “Send Us Your Young, Your Educated” by Edward Lazear in the Wall Street Journal, available here. 
• In “Examining America’s Exceptional Economy,” Edward Lazear explores what has made America's economy successful, what sets it apart from other nations, and what needs to be done to sustain its prominence in the global economy. Available here.