[bluebarbet]

>in Switzerland more than anywhere else, immigration is at the foundation of the country's wealth

Such a claim would need terms to be defined, even before justification. Switzerland's mercenary attitude to immigration is well known, yes. I would argue that endogenous factors (history and culture) are far more important in explaining Switzerland's success. Neither natural resources nor immigration are determinative of a country's wealth. See: Japan, which historically has had neither.

[throwaway2037]

    > Switzerland's mercenary attitude to immigration is well known

What is meant by "mercenary attitude" here?

[bluebarbet]

Historically, Switzerland has taken the same approach to immigration as the Gulf Arab states: immigration is strictly contingent on labor needs, and citizenship is almost completely out of reach.

[throwaway2037]

    > Switzerland has taken the same approach to immigration as the Gulf Arab states

I need to say: Have you watched any YouTube videos about the way that low-skill migrants live and work in Gulf Arab states? It is horrifying. I will not downvote your comment if you reply in good faith. My point: Italian migrants who worked on big Swiss infra projects may not qualify for citizenship, but they did not have their passports confiscated by employers, nor lived in housing anywhere near the appalling conditions of Gulf Arab states.