The footprint of immigration on European and American society and economy is traced, based on relevant empirical studies, by the Center for Liberal Studies (KEFIM), in the Policy Paper published today.

According to KEFIM, the overall economic impact of immigration in Europe and the USA ranges from neutral to positive, as demonstrated by the review of relevant empirical studies. “The study examines the available scientific data on the impact of immigration on the economy and public safety of host countries in Europe and the United States, and its findings dispel widespread perceptions that link immigration to an increase in crime or a burden on the economy,” the relevant press release notes.

The main conclusions of the study are as follows:

– Immigration has a neutral to positive overall economic effect. Immigrants fill labor shortages, boost productivity and make a positive contribution to public finances, especially when it comes to younger and highly skilled workers. Short-term integration costs, such as housing or language learning, are offset in the medium term by tax revenues and increased employment.

– In terms of public safety, most empirical studies do not document a correlation between immigration and increased crime. In contrast, communities with a larger immigrant presence often have lower rates of violent crime, while in the US undocumented immigrants are less likely to be incarcerated than native-born citizens with similar socioeconomic characteristics.

– In terms of long-term results, the absence of migration flows would have serious implications for Europe’s growth, employment and fiscal sustainability. Specifically, according to data from the European Commission, without immigration the European working population would decrease by up to 29% by 2060 (compared to a decrease of 11.9% with immigration), growth rates would be limited to levels below 1% per year and the loss of output would reach 47 trillion dollars.

While the policy proposals formulated by KEFIM include:

– Strengthening legal and organized immigration

– Strengthening integration policies with an emphasis on education and work

– Improving the quality of security and crime data

– The more effective use of immigration as a demographic and development advantage

– Strengthening European cooperation”.

The study is also commented on by two politicians, firstly Dimitris Kairides, parliamentary representative of New Democracy: “Attracting legal, sufficient and quality immigration is a condition of prosperity for Greece in the 21st century. In this effort there is great international competition and specific active attraction and integration policies are needed.

A political prerequisite for the success of such a policy is the suppression of illegal immigration and the insecurity it creates.” According to D. Kairides, “today, the sharp anti-immigration turn of the USA offers an opportunity for Europe and Greece to attract scientists and talents. The upcoming legislative initiative of the government, which I personally edited in 2024, has this goal.”

For his part, Vassilis Chronopoulos, secretary of the Immigration Policy Department at PASOK-Movement for Change, said: “In recent years, immigration issues have been a field of exploitation by the Far Right which manages to disorient the public debate and, many times, impose its arguments.

Based mostly on misinformation. On the other hand, statistics and scientific researches present a completely different picture where immigration is not a problem but a necessity. The text of KEFIM summarizes the evidence and the international experience in an understandable way, demonstrating a different but rational path to which our country must also return.”

Finally, the president of KEFIM, Nikos Rompapas pointed out: “The debate on immigration in Europe and the United States often starts from fears and prejudices that are not empirically documented.

Scientific research shows that immigration, when accompanied by procedures for legal entry, residence and work as well as integration policies, produces positive effects on growth, employment and journalistic sustainability. To a large extent, the problems associated with immigration are due to the absence of a functional and effective management framework, and that is where we need to focus.”