Frum gets it right

Dear observers,

I'm surprised to be quoting the execrable David Frum, but his remark here is well phrased:

It’s widely understood that abundant low-skilled immigration hurts lower America by reducing wages. As the National Research Council noted in its comprehensive 1997 report: “If the wage of domestic unskilled workers did not fall, no domestic worker (unskilled or skilled) would gain or lose, and there would be no net domestic gain from immigration.” In other words, immigration is good for America as a whole only because — and only to the extent that — it is bad for the poorest Americans. Conversely, low-skilled immigration enriches upper America, lowering the price of personal services like landscaping and restaurant meals. And by holding down wages, immigration makes the business investments of upper America more profitable.

If liberals are so upset over the plight of the working class, why aren't they sounding the alarm over immigration? Call it the Lou Dobbs question.

Best,

Evan