Date of Defense

4-17-2020

Date of Graduation

4-2020

Department

Economics

First Advisor

Susan Pozo

Second Advisor

J. Kevin Corder

Abstract

We aim to analyze the potential economic impact of a proposed merit based immigration system, the RAISE Act. Its objective is to prioritize visa allocation towards "highly-skilled" workers while limiting the entrance of those considered to be "low-skilled" workers; it defines one's skill level by his or her level of educational attainment. Using a microeconomic approach, we explore the potential consequences of the proposed RAISE Act by examining how the labor supply within two industries: healthcare and construction, could be affected. In addition, our task is to look at this proposed policy in a broader context by understanding how U.S. immigration policy evolved throughout history to the current proposed direction. Finally, we seek to understand where U.S. policy and public sentiment relating to immigration fall in comparison to other western countries.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Restricted

Restricted to Campus until

7-21-2022

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