US - Mexico border wall had a negative effect on US economy

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US - Mexico border wall had a negative effect on US economy

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Broader claims

Not expanding US - Mexico wall would be beneficial to US economy

Quotes that support the claim

More importantly, the government must realize that a wall alone will not accomplish all of the Trump Administration’s immigration goals. Such a wall would have to be accompanied by effective legislation that could be oriented either towards making it less desirable for immigrants to work in the United States, or towards making the path to citizenship easier. The former follows the style of Israel, which was successful, but may be undesirable for the United States due to the substantial amount that immigrants contribute to the economy. If the United States were to discourage immigrants from working in the country, the economy could potentially suffer a large blow. The latter policy orientation shows more promise in decreasing the number of illegal crossings. If the US immigration system were more streamlined, and applying for a work visa or permanent residency were quicker and easier, then illegal immigration would not be as great a problem, since these immigrants would have no reason to try to cross illegally. Regardless, the wall alone would not be an effective solution; effective legislation, whatever that may entail, must accompany it.

The effect of the Secure Fence Act on the U.S. economy – after accounting for changes in wages, the cost of goods, and the internal migration of U.S. workers – was largely negative. College-educated U.S. workers lost an equivalent of $4.35 in annual income, while less-educated U.S. workers benefited on average by only 36 cents. This number is less than the $7 per person construction cost of the wall.

Supporting arguments

Not expanding US - Mexico wall would be beneficial to US economy

Topics

Claims that US - Mexico border wall is ineffective in stopping illegal immigration

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Not expanding US - Mexico wall would be beneficial to US economy

US Politics

Claims that US - Mexico border wall is ineffective in stopping illegal immigration

US Politics

The effect of the Secure Fence Act on the U.S. economy – after accounting for changes in wages, the cost of goods, and the internal migration of U.S. workers – was largely negative. College-educated U.S. workers lost an equivalent of $4.35 in annual income, while less-educated U.S. workers benefited on average by only 36 cents. This number is less than the $7 per person construction cost of the wall.

US Politics