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There are a lot of common sense ideas around migration that don't bear out in reality.

For example, in the article they start with a survey question:

> (“Do you think that, in your current country of residence, laws on immigration of foreigners should be relaxed or made tougher?”; 7-point scale).

I don't think this is a good question. Consider the Brexit Paradox: more strict immigration policy often increases the immigration rate because foreign workers decide to move into the country permanently. As they risk losing their access to wel paying jobs otherwise. Conversely, relaxing these policies could actually result in less outgroup culture being imported. And yet such a more relaxed policy would be labeled as "pro (im)migration".

The book "How Migration Really Works" by Hein De Haas was a good read. I didn't find it biased or partisan. It slaughters a lot of left and right wing sacred cows. Made me realize how much political time and effort gets wasted on things that won't work.



> Consider the Brexit Paradox: more strict immigration policy often increases the immigration rate because foreign workers decide to move into the country permanently

That's not a paradox. British immigration policy post-Brexit was loosened enormously.


Reading the book right now, thanks for the rec!

Do me a favour and add some more to the current Ask HN on books thread please:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46391572




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