Open Borders
by Bryan Caplan, Zach Weinersmith · first published 2019
56% recommend44% neutral
Why HN recommends it
A comic-book argument for open borders, with careful reasoning and a clear presentation of the case. Suits readers curious about immigration policy who want an accessible, persuasive overview, not dense academic work.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
"American policy-makers have long been locked in a heated battle over whether, how many, and what kind of immigrants to allow to live and work in the country. Those in favor of welcoming more immigrants often cite humanitarian reasons, while those in favor of more restrictive laws argue the need to protect native citizens. But economist Bryan Caplan adds a new, compelling perspective to the immigration debate: He argues that opening all borders could eliminate absolute poverty worldwide and usher in a booming worldwide economy--greatly benefiting humanity. With a clear and conversational tone,
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After reading Open Borders by Bryan Cahlan, I’m convinced that if there is a burden on the host country it’s temporary. Long term, I think the host country has much more to gain than to lose.
on “Hong Kong: UK makes citizenship offer to residents” ↗If you haven't seen it, you might like Open Borders by Bryan Caplan and Zach Weinersmith[1]. Comic-book form advocating for open borders, with pretty good reasoning. [1] https://smile.amazon.com/Open-Borders-Science-Ethics-Immigra...
on “Full Employment” ↗> But then it doesn't seem to address any of them! No, but the book he references does address them, with unusual clarity: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Borders-Science-Ethics-Immigrati... At the bottom of the post the writer thanks one of the authors of that book for reviewing a draft.
…book on Immigration[0] is a large-scale version of this skill in practice and I suspect a lot of HN readers might enjoy it, regardless of if you agree with his points or not. [0]https://www.amazon.com/Open-Borders-Science-Ethics-Immigrati...
on “You Want to See My Data? I Thought We Were Friends” ↗…that suggests ways policies can be designed to "nudge" people into making better decisions. "Blindsight" by Peter Watts A sci-fi novel that offers a less "anthropomorphic" first contact experience. "Open Borders" by SMBC guy A book that presents an argument in favor of more open immigration policies. "Snow Crash" and "Neuromancer" Classic cyberpunk novels, recommended for annual re-reading by the commenter.…
on “Ask HN: Any interesting books you have read lately?” ↗Caplan is a libertarian. You'll never see anything like his pro open borders book from the right wing: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Borders-Science-Ethics-Immigrati...
on “Ask HN: Why isn’t finance a part of the core curriculum at schools?” ↗Can you point to non-right-wing-affiliated sources to back up your assertions? Have you read this? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42867903-open-borders
on “Edina Minnesota latest suburb to roll out homeowner surveillance camera program” ↗https://www.amazon.com/Open-Borders-Science-Ethics-Immigrati...
…problem but doesn't justify it. (I'm not saying some kind of filter is necessarily bad. But a kafkaesque one is. And this isn't a small problem -- it's made us collectively a lot poorer. (Bryan Caplan, Open Borders, for that argument.))
on “Tech companies are colluding to cheat H1B visa lottery, US says” ↗