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The imprint of migration on European and American society and economy is traced, based on relevant empirical studies, by the Center for Liberal Studies, in the Policy Paper published today.
According to KEFIM, the overall economic impact of migration in Europe and the USA is neutral to positive, as demonstrated by the review of relevant empirical studies. “The study examines the available scientific data regarding the impact of migration on the economy and public safety of host countries in Europe and the United States, and its findings debunk widespread perceptions that link migration to increased crime or economic burden,” notes the related press release.
The main conclusions of the study are as follows:
«- Migration has a neutral to positive overall economic impact. Migrants fill labor shortages, enhance productivity, and contribute positively to public finances, especially when it comes to younger and highly skilled workers. Short-term integration costs, such as housing or language learning, are offset in the medium term by tax revenues and increased employment.
– Regarding public safety, most empirical studies do not document a correlation between migration and increased crime. On the contrary, communities with a higher presence of migrants often show lower rates of violent crime, while in the USA, undocumented migrants have a lower likelihood of incarceration compared to natives with similar socio-economic characteristics.
– Regarding long-term outcomes, the absence of migration flows would have serious implications for development, employment, and fiscal sustainability in Europe. Specifically, according to data from the European Commission, without migration, the European active population would decrease by up to 29% by 2060 (compared to an 11.9% decrease with migration), growth rates would be limited to levels below 1% annually, and the loss of production would reach 47 trillion dollars».
The policy proposals put forward by KEFIM include:
«- Strengthening legal and organized migration
– Enhancing integration policies with an emphasis on education and employment
– Improving the quality of security and crime data
– More effective utilization of migration as a demographic and developmental advantage
– Strengthening European cooperation».
The study is also commented on by two political figures, starting with Dimitris Kairidis, parliamentary representative of New Democracy: “Attracting legal, sufficient, and quality migration is a condition for prosperity for Greece in the 21st century. In this effort, there is significant international competition, and specific active policies for attraction and integration are needed. A political prerequisite for the success of such a policy is the crackdown on illegal migration and the insecurity it creates.” According to D. Kairidis, “today, the sharp anti-migration turn of the USA offers an opportunity for Europe and Greece to attract scientists and talents. The upcoming legislative initiative of the government, which I personally oversaw in 2024, aims to achieve this goal”.
On his part, Vasilis Chronopoulos, secretary of the Migration Policy Sector in PASOK-Movement for Change, stated: “In recent years, migration issues have become a field of exploitation by the far-right, which manages to mislead public discussion and, many times, impose its arguments. Based mainly on misinformation. On the other hand, statistical data and scientific research present a completely different picture where migration is not a problem but a necessity. The text of KEFIM summarizes the data and international experience in an easily understandable way, demonstrating a different but rational path that our country must return to”.
Finally, the president of KEFIM, Nikos Rombapas, pointed out: “The discussion about migration in Europe and the United States often starts from fears and prejudices that are not empirically substantiated. Scientific research shows that migration, when accompanied by processes of legal entry, residence, and work as well as integration policies, produces positive results in development, employment, and fiscal sustainability. To a great extent, the problems associated with migration are due to the absence of a functional and effective management framework, and that is where we must focus.” (23/10/25)