OPINION: It’s time to restate the business case for migration

Last Friday, America’s President Trump issued an Executive Order, temporarily banning the entry of Syrian refugees, suspending the entire US refugee admission programme for 120 days, significantly reducing the number of refugees to be resettled in the US this year, and stemming all migration to the US from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.

The Executive Order has been criticized by allies, human rights advocates, and business leaders, most prominently Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

In line with the latter, and as co-chairs of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Migration, we are especially surprised that such an order would emanate from a former businessman. Far from putting America first, limiting migration, and broadcasting an anti-immigration stance, risks a lasting impact that may jeopardize US employment, economic growth, and innovation.

Two weeks ago at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, we heard again and again from private sector leaders why migration and diversity is good for business. But we also heard a reluctance to speak out in public about the economic benefits of migration, for fear of damaging government relations and shareholder value.

Against this increasingly tense background, we believe there is a need to restate the business case for migration, without fear or favour.

Read the full article on the World Economic Forum’s website.