Joe Biden's First Day agenda includes a proposal for comprehensive immigration reform. Just as Dems divide over the Green New Deal and Medicare For All but unite in loathing Trump, the fractured Republican Party will come together to derail the latest run at immigration reform.
In a nightmare scenario the moderate Dems in the Senate (Sinema, Manchin) are so committed to giving Biden this win that they vote to change the Senate rules and eliminate the filibuster. More likely, immigration again goes nowhere.
Biden's website on immigration is here; he links to a 2013 CBO study assessing that attempt at reform. Their summary: more workers leads to a larger economy, but smaller on a Per Capita basis; until skills and jobs alignn, unemployment rises (a bit) and wages fall (a bit). The return on capital rises, however, since it is slightly scarcer relative to labor.
So for Chamber of Commerce Republicans its all winning - more customers, cheaper workers, higher return on capital.
For Democrats, more unskilled workers plus the Biden Fantasy Minimum Wage of $15 should boost unemployment but (more importantly!) boost the need for the sort of compassionate safety net Democrats live to provide. More winning!
And yes, I'm already getting sick of all the winning.
From CBO on the 2013 immigration bill:
New Thread
Posted by: henry | January 18, 2021 at 05:20 PM
Pin, that baby goat looks very sweet, and it's good to know it's keeping tabs on you. Don't let it eat your shirttails or boots!
Posted by: Catsmeat | January 18, 2021 at 06:34 PM
Oh, Jane--I am so very, very sorry! Kiwi was a champion and so loved--a little but very cute dog. I send you every prayer and condolence.
Posted by: Catsmeat | January 18, 2021 at 06:39 PM
In case this hasn't been previously linked, at least he was against impeachment then, but he supports Liz Cheney
https://twitter.com/mikeduncan/status/1349717204917489665
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 18, 2021 at 08:05 PM