When a Problem Is Not a Problem: Immigration in the US

• In Event: Migration "Crises": Determinants and Consequences of Politicization

Abstract

Immigration is not a problem in the US. America is not just capable of but also needs to receive more immigrants. Latest statistics show that between 2010 and 2020, population growth was the second lowest in US history. A broad decline in immigration has already led to labor shortage. In its report to Congress in 2022, the Federal Reserve noted that reduced immigration had constrained the labor supply.
There are some indicators showing that most factors affecting US decision making do not support the idea that immigration is a problem. For example, public opinion on the issue of immigration is not straightforward, to say the least. while views on immigration policy are increasingly polarized, two third of Americans, according to a Gallup poll in 2022, still see immigration as a benefit to their country. The mounting desire to reduce immigration is driven, however, by those who vote Republican. 31 percent of Americans (42 percent of Republicans), claim immigration is a national crisis. Two third of Republicans compared to 17% of Democrats want less immigrants. And race is inextricably linked to calls for immigration restrictions; 79% of Republicans agree native born Americans are being systematically replaced by immigrants. Among policymakers, the issue is not strictly partisan; Some Republicans are open to reasonable reform while some Democrats advocate restrictions. Republicans find immigration a winning strategy while Democrats would rather change the subject. Lobbyists (such as businesses, farm groups, Silicon Valley) tend to be on the side of more immigration not less. The question is how do we make sense of immigration as a major issue in US politics?
Research on immigration tend to focus on the policy and politics of immigration. I argue the issue is rather structural. This paper argues that the reason why immigration is a ‘problem’ is the electoral system rather than a real immigration influx and/or a need for a policy to address it. It explores how disinformation screens the real crises; population decline and labor shortage, and is enabled by an electoral system, namely the primary system and the electoral college, which allows a small minority to drown out the will of the majority.

Author

• Manar Shorbagy