We Wanted Workers

We Wanted Workers examines the economic and social impacts of immigration in the United States through data analysis and policy discussion. Harvard economist George J. Borjas draws on decades of research to present evidence about immigration's effects on wages, employment, and public services. The book traces immigration patterns from the 1800s to present day, analyzing policy changes and demographic shifts that have shaped America's immigrant population. Borjas investigates the skills and education levels of different immigrant groups, their economic mobility across generations, and their integration into U.S. society. Through economic analysis and statistical evidence, Borjas challenges common assumptions about immigration's costs and benefits. The book addresses controversial topics including immigration's impact on native workers, public assistance usage among immigrants, and the effectiveness of various immigration policies. The work stands as a data-driven examination of one of America's most debated policy issues, moving beyond partisan talking points to explore the complex realities of immigration's economic consequences. Its analytical approach provides a framework for understanding the trade-offs inherent in immigration policy choices.

Readers appreciate Borjas's data-driven approach to immigration economics and his personal perspective as a Cuban immigrant. Many note his clear writing style makes complex economic concepts accessible to non-economists. Common praise focuses on: - Balance between academic research and real-world examples - Thorough examination of both benefits and costs of immigration - Clear explanations of wage effects and fiscal impacts Main criticisms include: - Some readers find the statistical analysis too dense - Questions about data interpretation methods - Perceived political bias in certain sections Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (178 reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (226 ratings) Specific reader comments: "Presents immigration data without the usual partisan overlay" - Amazon reviewer "Too many equations and charts for casual reading" - Goodreads reviewer "His immigrant background adds credibility to the economic analysis" - Amazon reviewer "Statistical methodology needs more explanation" - Goodreads reviewer

Immigration Economics by David Card A data-driven analysis of immigration's economic effects on wages, employment, and public services in receiving countries.

Exodus: How Migration is Changing Our World by Paul Collier An examination of migration's impact on both sending and receiving countries through economic and social policy frameworks.

The New Americans: Economic, Demographic, and Fiscal Effects of Immigration by James P. Smith, Barry Edmonston A comprehensive study of immigration's fiscal impacts on U.S. government budgets and economic institutions.

The Age of Migration by Stephen Castles A global analysis of migration patterns and their connections to labor markets, development, and international relations.

Exceptional People: How Migration Shaped Our World and Will Define Our Future by Ian Goldin, Geoffrey Cameron, and Meera Balarajan A historical and economic examination of migration's role in human development and economic growth across civilizations.

🔹 George Borjas arrived in the United States as a refugee from Cuba at age 12, giving him a unique personal perspective on immigration that influences his academic work 🔹 The book's title comes from a quote by Swiss writer Max Frisch: "We wanted workers, but we got people instead," referring to Europe's guest worker programs 🔹 The author challenges both liberal and conservative views on immigration, using data to show that immigration's economic effects are more complex than either side typically admits 🔹 Borjas is considered one of the world's leading labor economists and serves as a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School, where he has taught since 1995 🔹 The research presented in the book indicates that immigration has different economic impacts on different groups - while it may benefit higher-income Americans through lower prices for services, it can depress wages for lower-skilled native workers who compete directly with immigrants