Digital journal: Immigration policy affects western economies

According to the Immigration Policy Center (IPC) Sweden, Portugal, Canada, Finland and the Netherlands score highest on overall integration, while the lowest rankings go to Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, Cyprus and Latvia. The IPC rated the US ninth overall and first in its anti-discrimination laws. The MIPEX ranked the U.S. ninth overall and first in terms of its strong anti-discrimination laws and protections. In addition to this, the U.S. also ranked high on the access to citizenship because it encourages newcomers to become citizens in order to fully participate in American public life. Compared with other countries, legal immigrants in the U.S. enjoy employment opportunities, but many workers are obligated to look for jobs below their skill level because the U.S. doesn’t facilitate the recognition of foreign diplomas.With the exit of baby boomers from the workforce, the changing technologies and shortage of skilled trades, most western nations will have to take a close look at their immigration policies. This will have to include a policy of skilled workers, working with educational institutions to target education towards the professional and trades people that will have success in the economy. The youth unemployment rate is one of the highest, despite having graduated with a degree. Immigration policy must be based on facts and not emotion. Politicians have a way of stirring the pot with half truths, but it doesn't solve the problem. The fact is that without targeted skilled immigration there will be a negative effect on the growth of major economies...Read more