How migration liberalization might eliminate most absolute poverty

Abstract

Migration, especially of the low-skilled, can substantially eliminate absolute poverty. Although total economic gains from migration liberalization might be less than previously estimated, it only requires a small number of migrants to bring extreme poverty rates down significantly. Migrants gain more than they need to escape poverty, but remittances, trade, and investments can distribute the gains wider. This effect is especially impactful if unskilled migrants from the poorest nations, where migration rates are currently very low due to discriminatory barriers, would be allowed entry. Their entry would not only help eliminate extreme poverty but also benefit the host countries. – AI-generated abstract.