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America Quote by Alan Greenspan

“Skilled shortages in America exist because we are shielding our skilled labor force from world competition. [Visa quotas] have been substituted for the wage pricing mechanism. In the process we have created [a] privileged elite whose incomes are being supported at non-competitively high levels by…” quote by Alan Greenspan
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“Skilled shortages in America exist because we are shielding our skilled labor force from world competition. [Visa quotas] have been substituted for the wage pricing mechanism. In the process we have created [a] privileged elite whose incomes are being supported at non-competitively high levels by immigration quotas on skilled professionals. Eliminating such restrictions would reduce at least some of the income inequality.”

Alan Greenspan

About This Quote

Immigration caps on skilled workers create a protected elite, inflating wages and widening income gaps; removing caps would let market forces balance pay and reduce inequality.

In simple terms: Immigration limits inflate elite wages, widening inequality.

Key Takeaway

Removing caps can lower wage disparity.

Themes

Labor economics Immigration policy Income inequality Market mechanisms Protectionism

Mood

Analytical Critical Concerned

Type

Policy statement Economic observation

When to use this quote

  • Policy debates on immigration reform
  • Corporate hiring strategies
  • Economic inequality analysis
  • Public discourse on wage gaps

Key Concepts

Skilled labor market Wage determination Quota effects Economic inequality

Practical Applications

  • Advocating for open skilled immigration
  • Designing wage-adjusted immigration policies

Questions to Reflect On

  • How would open skilled immigration affect wage structures?
  • What alternatives exist to address income inequality without altering immigration quotas?
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