Can open borders increase human wealth?
Sources:
Yes, open borders can potentially increase human wealth. Bryan Caplan argues that allowing more immigration can vastly enhance the economic prospects of both individuals and nations. For instance, moving people from poorer countries to richer ones can significantly boost their productivity because they have access to better infrastructure and opportunities. This can be scalable from individual cases to potentially rescuing billions from poverty, thus massively improving global wealth 1.
Caplan also emphasizes that open borders can unlock hidden human talent currently trapped in impoverished regions. This could lead to significant technological advancements, such as accelerating the timeline for breakthroughs in critical areas like defeating death 1.
Moreover, Caplan's experiences in Poland demonstrated that accommodating a large number of refugees did not negatively impact the country's stability or welfare. In fact, the warm reception from residents helped integrate refugees seamlessly, thereby maintaining social and economic stability despite a 10% population increase in just a month 2.
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