Thinking the Unthinkable : The Immigration Myth Exposed

There have been poor countries and rich countries since countries first began, but only in the 20th century - the century of nationalisms and ethnic cleansings - have controls been implemented to stop movement between them. The argument for immigration controls stems from the belief that richer countries will be 'flooded', 'invaded', 'swamped' by a 'tidal wave' of migrants, and leading to increased unemployment amongst the native population. Quite simply, this is not true. Immigrants do the jobs that most native workers do not want or cannot do. Nigel Harris argues that we should bring all barriers down and shows exactly how and why immigration is the lifeline of the developed world's economy, using examples from all over the world to prove how immigration makes both the rich and the poor richer. Immigration, argues Harris, may also be the final safeguard against racism, nationalism and intolerance.Thinking the Unthinkable dramatically challenges the rhetoric which has informed much of the debate on immigration - even amongst many liberals. It makes an original, controversial and highly important contribution to one of the most charged and topical issues of our times."e;Nigel Harris makes an important argument, with compelling evidence, on the side of freedom and of common sense. This book deserves to be widely read--especially by politicians of all parties."e;Bill Emmott, Editor, The Economist"e;Floods of migrants will steal our jobs, drive down wage levels, sponge off our welfare system, compete for public services and provoke racism, xenophobia and ultimately political instability. Nigel Harris' book tackles these fears head-on This book deserves to be read by all "e; Nuala Haughey, Irish Times