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If you have free immigration, in the way we had it before…

“If you have free immigration, in the way we had it before 1914, everybody benefited. The people who were here benefited. The people who came benefited. Because nobody would come unless he, or his family, thought he would do better here than he would elsewhere. And, the new immigrants provided…” quote by Milton Friedman
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“If you have free immigration, in the way we had it before 1914, everybody benefited. The people who were here benefited. The people who came benefited. Because nobody would come unless he, or his family, thought he would do better here than he would elsewhere. And, the new immigrants provided additional resources, provided additional possibilities for the people already here. So everybody can mutually benefit.”

Milton Friedman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Free immigration historically created mutual benefits for both newcomers and existing residents by expanding labor and opportunities.

In simple terms: Open borders helped both immigrants and natives.

Key Takeaway

Consider policies that enable mutual economic gain.

Themes

economics immigration mutual benefit

Mood

optimistic analytical

Type

economic policy historical

When to use this quote

  • labor markets
  • community development
  • policy reform
  • business growth

Key Concepts

market dynamics human capital resource allocation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does immigration affect wage levels?
  • What safeguards ensure equitable resource distribution?
A Different Perspective

Benefits may be uneven if labor markets are saturated or social services strained.

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