Essay: Some Thoughts on the Relationship between Property Rights and Immigration Policy

Most articles and books that have been written on immigration policy start from a utilitarian position. They discuss issues such as whether immigration, on balance, is more harmful than beneficial, and whether allowing immigrants into the country results in job losses, increases in welfare costs, aids in economic growth, and so forth. This article is distinctly different in focus. Although utilitarian themes are discussed, this article places the main emphasis on the relationship between property rights and immigration policy.