As anti-immigration sentiments rise across the United States and Europe, recent analyses underscore the critical role that immigrants play in the economies of these regions. A growing body of evidence reveals that human mobility is not a burden but a vital driver of economic growth, demographic resilience, and cultural cohesion. Ignoring this reality not only misrepresents the facts but also contradicts the democratic ideals that societies profess to uphold.
The historical context of migration illustrates its significance. Throughout history, from the ancient Mediterranean to 20th-century mass migrations, human movement has shaped civilizations. Migrants have contributed to city-states, colonial empires, and modern nation-states, proving that presenting migration as a threat is a departure from established patterns.
Economic Impact of Migration
A 2016 analysis by the McKinsey Global Institute revealed that although migrants made up only 3.3% of the global population in 2015, they accounted for 9.4% of global GDP that year, approximately $6.7 trillion. In the United States, their contribution was around $2 trillion. More recent assessments from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicate that net migration flows to the eurozone from 2020 to 2023, which included millions of Ukrainian refugees, could increase the region’s potential GDP by an additional 0.5% by 2030. This increment represents nearly half of the expected growth, highlighting the essential role of migration in Europe’s economic landscape.
In the United States, over 31 million immigrants participated in the labor market in 2023, comprising 19% of the total workforce, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Their labor force participation rate reached 67%, surpassing the 62% rate of native-born workers. This participation translates into a significant contribution to tax revenue and domestic consumption, amplifying economic dynamism.
Notably, immigrants often fill roles in physically demanding jobs or sectors less appealing to native workers. This dynamic complements the workforce rather than competes with it, particularly in contexts of full employment or an aging population.
Innovation and Job Creation
Migration is not solely about workforce numbers; it is also a catalyst for innovation. According to the World Economic Forum, immigrants in the United States are 80% more likely to start new businesses than their native counterparts. Furthermore, over 40% of Fortune 500 companies were established by immigrants or their descendants. This trend highlights the significant influence of diverse perspectives on entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
In the European Union, the impact of migrants on job creation is similarly profound. The IMF reported that between 2019 and 2023, two-thirds of new jobs were filled by non-EU migrants. This statistic counters the misconception that migrants “steal jobs”; instead, they fill essential vacancies that neither automation nor the local workforce can address.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) cautioned that failing to integrate more women, older individuals, and immigrants into the labor market could reduce GDP per capita growth in member countries from 1% per year (2000-2020) to a mere 0.6% by 2060. Conversely, more inclusive migration policies could contribute an additional 0.1 percentage points to annual growth.
The Role of Remittances
The 2024 World Migration Report highlighted that global remittances reached $831 billion in 2022, marking a growth of over 650% since 2000. These funds, sent by immigrants to their families in their home countries, play a crucial role in health, education, and housing, often exceeding official development assistance and foreign direct investment. The impact of remittances is stabilizing and profoundly humanitarian, demonstrating a form of wealth redistribution that bypasses traditional systems.
Looking ahead, the conversation around migration needs to evolve. When political rhetoric excludes those perceived as outsiders, it hampers social adaptability and change. Ignoring the evidence of migration’s benefits incurs significant costs, which can be categorized into three main areas:
1. Economic losses: Reduced immigration diminishes a key source of growth and fiscal sustainability.
2. Social instability: Anti-immigration narratives foster stigmas that fracture social cohesion and coexistence.
3. Geopolitical weakness: Limiting immigration reduces a nation’s competitive edge in a global landscape increasingly defined by the race for talent.
Fortunately, effective solutions exist. Governments can streamline professional accreditation processes and develop regional migration coordination systems. The challenge lies in reshaping public opinion, which is often influenced by political narratives.
As the World Economic Forum rightly emphasizes, migration should be viewed not as a problem to solve but as a strategic asset to manage with intelligence and humanity. To underestimate its value is to undermine the foundations of global development in the 21st century.
