[davidw]

> So bringing someone across those borders while an unemployed person is within them is a net economic negative.

You're right - that's a vast oversimplification. Here's one of my own: at the same time Linus Torvalds moved to the US, there were a number of unemployed people. I still think it was a net win to let him in, though.

Be very wary of the lump of labor fallacy, it's what's behind the "they took rrrr jawbs" mentality.

[untog]

At the same time, expanding immigration because Linus Torvalds exists is also a vast oversimplification. Even most anti-immigration people I've spoken to concede that there should be avenues for outstandingly talented people to emigrate if they wish.

[davidw]

Plenty of skilled immigrants have skills that unemployed locals do not have. Even the 'cut rate labor' people love to hate.