World Immigration News

(Le Monde)Immigration is beneficial for the economy as a whole. Why is it so unpopular?

Release Date: 2026-07-15
Media: Le Monde
Summary: France's presidential election is approaching, and immigration is expected to become a central political issue as the far right leads in first-round polls. The article argues that the debate should be based on evidence rather than emotion, highlighting new research by economist Giovanni Peri on immigration across 38 OECD countries since 1990.

The study finds that immigration has generally benefited OECD economies. The share of foreign-born residents has doubled to an average of 12%, with particularly large increases in Spain, the UK, and Germany, while France has experienced more moderate growth. Immigration has also largely offset the decline in the working-age population caused by low birth rates, and many recent immigrants are highly educated. According to the research, about half of immigrants arriving since 1990 hold a university degree, suggesting that immigration contributes not only to labor supply but also to human capital and long-term economic growth.
Tags: France

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