Ran Abramitzky studies the economic history of immigration by tapping into now-public government records and using AI to chart changing attitudes on immigration captured in written documents and official speeches. What’s revealed is a remarkable story that often diverges from conventional wisdom. Not all streets were paved with gold, Abramitzky tells host Russ Altman, himself a descendant of immigrants, on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces the episode's focus on immigration myths, and the data story behind them with economist Ran Abramitzky.

(00:01:56) The Methods & Data used 
Ran explains his approach to researching immigration using quantitative methods, data sets, and text analysis.

(00:03:39) Who is an Immigrant?
A conversation on the scope of the term 'immigrant' and the focus on voluntary immigration in this work

(00:05:01) Personal Anecdotes and Immigrant Experiences
Russ & Ran discuss the truth behind opportunities presented through immigration, illustrated by Russ’s family experience. 

(00:07:11) The Rags to Riches Myth
Debunking this story, looking at the economic status of immigrants on arrival and the generational improvements, often driven by taking jobs beneath their skill levels.

(00:09:17) Cultural Assimilation
Examining the cultural assimilation of immigrants, including marriage patterns, naming children, and citizenship.

(00:10:53) Current Relevance of Historical Immigration Patterns
The consistency of historical immigration trends across nationalities and generation, despite policy changes regarding borders

(00:13:09) Crime Myths
Exploration of resistance to immigration, debunking of myths linking immigrants to increased crime rates,  incarceration data

(00:15:39) Historical and Contemporary Polarization
Examining how political rhetoric and attitudes towards immigrants have evolved over the last 150 years, focusing on polarization.

(00:18:00) Immigrant Beliefs on Immigration
Discussion on how immigrants' attitudes towards immigration change after settling in the U.S.

(00:20:34) Refugees & Ellis Island Interviews
Interviews with immigrants from Ellis Island provide insights into the experiences of refugees versus economic immigrants and the convergence of immigrant paths by the second or third generation.

(00:24:36) Impact of Research on Government Policy
The influence, or lack, of immigration research on government policy and public perception. Abramitzky shares the importance of a long-term view of immigration success.

(00:27:15) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook