The Labor Economics Case for the Diversity Visa Lottery

Authors writing in many political publications have spilled ink describing the diplomatic benefits and positive self-selection spurred by immigration programs like the diversity lottery (DV). This essay argues that there is a more fundamental economic case for keeping the DV lottery: Immigrants move to where other immigrants live, so establishing a mechanism to encourage immigration from countries with few immigrants is critical. Without the DV program, America will lose an important advantage in the global war for talent over the long run.