Economists consider if the best way to control entry into a country is a fee…

• Economist Gary Becker advocates an economic solution for the global immigration problem. He proposes attaching a price to immigration, either by selling the right to migrate or auctioning immigrant visas.
• Becker argues that only the most determined or resourceful migrants would be successful, greatly simplifying the process and allowing governments more immigration control. In addition, the receiving country would benefit financially, potentially helping to reduce budget deficits.
• For those who were committed to immigrating, but unable to pay the fee, Becker advises a loaning system in which migrants could borrow from the government and pay them back over time.

Facts & Figures

• Charging 50,000 dollars for the right to immigrate into America would yield the country $50 billion if it let in 1 million immigrants a year.