Migrant Workers & Remittances

According to the Inter-American Development Bank, migrant workers in the United States sent home a collective $62.3 billion dollars in 2006, which is a 14% increase from 2005. Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia have the highest receiving rate of remittances, however the remittances were actually more beneficial for the lower income Central American countries, of which the remittances accounted for approximately 10% of the GDP.

With the pressing issue of illegal immigration however, the INDB estimates that the number of remittances will begin to decline, which could have negative effects on the economies of not only the recipients, but the United States as well.

This article was very interesting, because it illustrates the importance of immigrants and migrant workers for the United States economy, which is the leading argument for those who oppose the harsher immigration reforms.


Works Cited:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f94e4d5c-d32b-11db-829f-000b5df10621.html