Economic Refugee

An economic refugee is a refugee looking for a better job elsewhere—as in, another country. Countries that have suffered hyperinflation and other major economic problems oftentimes produce these economic refugees, who have no choice but to leave their home and try to find a new start somewhere else—somewhere where it’s possible to make a buck or two. For others, if they can get the chance to live in a country with higher wages and a standard of living based on skills they have (cough...programmers...cough), then it’s worth a shot, right?

The US Census Bureau found that, from 1990 to 2014, refugees paid $21,000 more in taxes than they got in benefits from the US government on average, meaning they're giving more than they’re taking—contributing to the economy via productivity, and the government via taxes. Yet, many Americans fear refugees are taking jobs by increasing the labor supply, causing unemployment and increased competition.

So...when do we start worrying about the robots? Is there a robot-immigration-wall we can build here soon? Aren't they starting to take all our jobs anyway?

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