Question

Why do many labor union leaders argue in favor of restricting immigration?

Answer 1

Restricting Immigration has always been a debatable topic among union leaders. It is true that after entering labor force almost all immigrants want to join labor unions because they believe that unions can protect and improve their economic well being but it causes difficulty for unions to organize these new labors. Also, immigration effects labor supply by inflating it which causes wage suppression and increased job competitions for those who are already in the labor market. The ensuing market pressure makes it more difficult to unions to win economic gains for their membership. Thus immigration affects regional,national, local market conditions and many labor unions find immigration as a no-win situation and are in favor of restricting it.