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We ought to be opening up our borders to skilled labour from all parts of the world because [the state of the world is as follows: ] if we were to do that we would increase the supply of skilled workers that our schools have been unable to create and as a consequence of that we would lower the average wage of skills and reduce the degree of income inequality in this country.
Alan Greenspan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Embracing immigration of skilled workers can benefit the economy and reduce income inequality.

Alan Greenspan argues that welcoming skilled labor from around the world could help increase the labor pool that educational institutions have struggled to provide. This influx would not only enhance economic productivity but also potentially lower wages for skilled jobs, thereby decreasing income inequality.

Themes

ImmigrationSkilled LaborIncome InequalityEconomyWages

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate on immigration policy, one might quote this to advocate for more skilled labor.

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