Wanted: Better Immigration Policy, More Immigrants

Clashes over immigration and control of the US border have already figured prominently in the battle for the presidency. A better policy is certainly needed — one that admits far more workers with skills in short supply, restores an orderly process for accepting other economic migrants and asylum seekers, dissuades those who won’t qualify from turning up at the border, and helps states and cities cope with the consequences of failing to get this right.

But as the arguments continue, it would be good to keep one thing in mind: The vast majority of immigrants — including those arriving under the existing ill-suited arrangements — will prove to be national assets, not liabilities. On balance, they’ll boost the economy and help mend the country’s broken public finances. Although policy can and should be improved, the goal shouldn’t be throttling the supply of foreign workers.