For Canadians to expect more, younger immigrants to counteract the effects of low past fertility on workforce growth and aging would be a serious mistake. While immigration has been a key driver of Canadian population growth, it cannot, on its own, offset demographic trends that threaten our future living standards...faster productivity growth would boost real incomes per person more than any conceivable immigration strategy.
It may seem surprising that mass immigration is so limited in its ability to bring aggregate economic benefits to the native-born population. But it's been the consensus in the technical literature, for several different developed countries, at least since I reported it my 1992 National Review cover story Time To Rethink Immigration and in my 1995 book Alien Nation (Chapter 8). Another recent example here.
Immigration into Canada is among the highest in the world. The Canadian government's own statistical service has documented its negative impact on incomes there (and in the U.S.) But it continues, and criticism of it has been made virtually illegal. What can explain this extraordinary situation?
Labor Day Motto: Moratorium Now!
