Think tank experts argue economic implications of immigration

The Woodrow Wilson Center hosted a colloquium on “The Economic Effect of Immigration: Implications for Income and Employment of Low-Skill Labor in the United States.” Speakers at the colloquium included Tamar Jacoby, president and CEO of Immigration Works USA, and Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.

Jacoby said the only cost of immigration is a one to four percent wage decrease for low-skilled American workers. She argued that this cost is negated by the economic growth caused by immigration. Jacoby offered the example that immigration in North Carolina bears a $61 million cost compared to $11 billion of economic growth. Jacoby contended that due to the way immigrant workers complement American workers, every one agricultural worker creates three local jobs.

Conversely, Krikorian said that mass immigration is not economically sustainable. Krikorian admitted that although immigration helps our economy grow, the growth may decrease quality of life and per capita income for Americans in general.

Senate Judiciary Committee concerned over low income legal assistance

The Senate Judiciary Committee convened today to discuss low-income legal assistance. The hearing on “Closing the Justice Gap: Providing Civil Legal Assistance to Low-Income Americans,” was heard by one senator and had two witnesses testifying. Although it is law in this country that legal assistance can be provided to all, no matter income status, there is a growing concern that proper legal assistance to those who need it is not being provided.

Helaine M. Barnett, President of Legal Services Corporation and Jonann C. Chiles, Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation were on hand to testify. They spoke about their corporation and their mission including the requested budget from the federal government and how they utilize it. In Senator Leahy’s submitted testimony, he says “The LSC and the many organizations it funds work to ensure that the least fortunate among us are able to have their voices heard in civil court, and, in turn, their rights protected.” The LSC was present today to discuss the state of this industry and the need for funding.