American Quote by Jan C. Ting
“If cheap immigrant labor is made unavailable, employers can hire Americans at a higher wage, or replace low-wage immigrant workers with technology and automation, which will create a smaller number of skilled jobs for Americans.”
About This Quote
When low-cost immigrant labor disappears, firms face higher labor costs and may turn to automation, leading to fewer low-wage jobs but potentially more skilled positions for domestic workers.
In simple terms: Labor market shifts from cheap labor to automation.
Key Takeaway
Automation reshapes job composition.
Themes
Labor economics
Automation
Immigration policy
Skill demand
Wage dynamics
Mood
Analytical
Cautious
Optimistic
Type
Analytical
Policy
When to use this quote
- Manufacturing plants
- Agricultural farms
- Service industry
- Tech firms
- Government policy analysis
Key Concepts
Labor supply
Technology adoption
Skill premium
Practical Applications
- Policy design for workforce retraining
- Strategic planning for automation investment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can economies balance automation with inclusive job growth?
- What policies can mitigate skill gaps from rapid tech adoption?
A Different Perspective
Automation may also displace skilled workers, not just low-wage labor, creating broader employment challenges.
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