The Challenge of Immigration: A Radical Solution

37 Pages Posted: 21 May 2011

See all articles by Gary S. Becker

Gary S. Becker

University of Chicago - Department of Economics; University of Chicago - Booth School of Business

Diane Coyle

Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge

Date Written: April 13, 2011

Abstract

How can market-based solutions help solve the challenges of immigration? Nobel Prize winner Prof. Gary Becker, in this IEA Occasional Paper, proposes a radical policy which, if implemented by the coalition government, could raise over £600 million a year.

Prof. Becker proposes that visas to work in the UK should be sold off. The coalition’s immigration cap scheme could be amended using this proposal to ensure that the most suitable immigrants are allowed in. The people willing to pay the most to live in the UK are likely to be the same people who would contribute most to our economy.

Keywords: Gary S. Becker, immigration, labour markets, policy

JEL Classification: F22, J41, J61, J69

Suggested Citation

Becker, Gary S. and Coyle, Diane, The Challenge of Immigration: A Radical Solution (April 13, 2011). Institute of Economic Affairs Monographs Occasional Paper No. 145, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1846567 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1846567

Gary S. Becker (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Department of Economics ( email )

1126 East 59th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

University of Chicago - Booth School of Business

5807 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Diane Coyle

Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge ( email )

Alison Richard Building
7 West Road
Cambridge, CB3 9DT
Great Britain

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