Any failure of a country or community to escape poverty makes the incentive of the poor to migrate to the richer parts of the world that much stronger. Poverty also means rapid growth in potential workforces in low-income economies, while in the rich world, populations are ageing and workforces are declining. In the latter, the need for labour- intensive care for the old and infirm — and for a growing tax base funded by younger workers — becomes obvious.

US President Donald Trump, his team and supporters know very well that effective controls on immigration are essential to the preservation of the nation state. That legitimate concern should be widely recognised as justified and legitimate, though very expensive to implement effectively...

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