New Immigration Framework Prioritizing Public Benefit Gains Traction with Economist Bryan Caplan

Alexander Kustov, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, has launched a new Substack, "Popular by Design," focusing on making immigration policies politically sustainable and publicly palatable. The initiative has quickly drawn attention, notably receiving an endorsement from prominent economist Bryan Caplan, who stated on social media, "Kustov’s new immigration SStack has much promise."

Kustov's work, including his forthcoming book "In Our Interest: How Democracies Can Make Immigration Popular," argues that public support for immigration is best secured through policies that are "demonstrably beneficial" to the host country. He contends that focusing on economic and societal gains, rather than solely humanitarian appeals, is key to building broad consensus. This approach aims to move beyond the traditional "open versus closed" debate by designing policies that clearly serve the national interest.

The "Popular by Design" Substack delves into case studies and social science research, exploring innovative solutions like private refugee sponsorships and labor mobility partnerships. Kustov emphasizes that policies centered on work-oriented immigration are more likely to garner widespread support, drawing comparisons between countries like Canada, which employs a points-based system, and Sweden. His research suggests that visible benefits from immigration are crucial for public acceptance and minimizing backlash.

Bryan Caplan, a Professor of Economics at George Mason University and author of "Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration," is a well-known advocate for significantly liberalized immigration. Caplan's endorsement highlights a convergence of ideas, where even strong proponents of open borders recognize the importance of strategic policy design and public perception. His own work emphasizes the massive global economic gains from increased human mobility, underscoring the practical benefits that Kustov's framework seeks to make evident to the public.

The collaboration of these perspectives suggests a growing focus within immigration discourse on pragmatic, evidence-based policy solutions. By prioritizing policies that offer clear advantages to citizens, Kustov's framework seeks to foster a more stable and less contentious environment for immigration, addressing voter concerns and potentially reshaping future policy directions.