The magic of diasporas
Immigrant networks are a rare bright spark in the world economy. Rich countries should welcome them

THIS is not a good time to be foreign. Anti-immigrant parties are gaining ground in Europe. Britain has been fretting this week over lapses in its border controls (see article). In America Barack Obama has failed to deliver the immigration reform he promised (see article), and Republican presidential candidates would rather electrify the border fence with Mexico than educate the children of illegal aliens. America educates foreign scientists in its universities and then expels them, a policy the mayor of New York calls “national suicide”.
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “The magic of diasporas”

From the November 19th 2011 edition
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The new economics of immigration
A fresh critique of migration is gaining ground. Liberals must take it seriously

America’s bullied allies need to toughen up
They need a better plan than flattery and concessions

Will Vladimir Putin really agree to stop his killing machine?
The offer of a ceasefire creates a dilemma for the Kremlin
Trump’s erratic policy is harming the reputation of American assets
Like the stockmarket, the dollar is also suffering from falling confidence and rising confusion
Lifting sanctions on Syria seems mad, until you consider the alternative
Without a reprieve, the country will become a failed state
Britain’s leader has found purpose abroad. He needs it at home too
But do the clothes fit?