Discussion: Discuss the Economics of Current Issues: Immigration and Discrimination

Issues such as immigration and discrimination influence economics in a number of ways. Migration of the population has been going on in America since the beginning of the country's existence. We are a nation of immigrants. More than 40 million immigrants reside within the U.S. It is estimated that there are between 11 and 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. Immigration has both a negative and a positive effect to the U.S. economy. The three main areas affected are the labor market, the government budget, and economic growth.

Discrimination occurs in the U.S. labor market when workers with the same economic characteristics like education, experience, and skills are paid different amounts because of race, gender, religion, age, or disability status.

Research the topics of U.S. immigration and the discrimination in the workforce. Then address the following:

• What is one positive economic effect of immigration to the U.S. economy? You can list more if you'd like, but be sure to clearly explain your position and use examples to get your point across.
• What is one negative economic effect of immigration to the U.S. economy? You can list more if you'd like, but be sure to clearly explain your position and use examples to get your point across.
• Why is immigration such a controversial issue?
• Why do you think discrimination in the labor market exists? Provide details and proof to support your position.
• What is the economic impact, if any, of discrimination in the labor market? What benefit is there to discrimination? What is the cost? Provide examples and proof to support your position.