I don't want to get off-topic but the birth rate is an unspoken reason why we have 12+ million "undocumented workers". Immigration is proxy for population growth, which in turn is an easy way to "grow" the economy.

Obviously, propping up the economy in that way has helped to spark socio-political issues. Long to short, the Fed is "against" the middle class and immigrants are taking the brunt of the blame for it.

FYI - It was my comment this sub-tread is from.

That's a great point, thanks for making it.

Personally, I grew up in a rural area in NY that is basically being systematically wiped away, because of these policy decisions made in a vacuum that few people understand.

People blame "the other" and get caught up in racist nonsense. Meanwhile, we're reverting into ancient latifundia and turning into a society where basic human needs aren't being met.

Another FYI - In Europe (e.g., Germany and France) a similar thing has happened. The difference there is a noticeable percentage of the immigrants are Muslim (and are generally less inclinced to assimilate). I remember reading a couple of years ago that soon enough (read: 25 to 50 years?) - if current trends continue - Muslims will be the majority in Germany. So while Germ's economy has fared well as of late, it might be sitting on a cultural powder-keg if the economy stagnates.

As for Japan's economic stagnation of the last couple decades? Relatively low immigration.