The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers
by Zeke Hernandez
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16:09
Knowledge at Wharton podcast chats with author
264
3
Jun, 2024
Spoiler:
The author asserts that successful societies welcome immigrants because immigrants are “net positives” in many ways and that we need to broaden our viewpoints to see the big picture. He says that when firms hire people from varied international backgrounds, those companies not only perform better but inspire their native workers to be more creative and productive. New ideas, fresh perspectives, and different networks are all benefits that immigrants bring to the table. He also says that immigrants are 80% more likely to start new businesses than natives.
59:31
INSEAD studio chats with author via video + Q&A
5
1
Jun, 2024
Spoiler:
Zeke Hernandez says his book is the result of a huge gap between evidence-based facts about immigration and what people believe. There are two dominant narratives in every country that receives immigrants: the villain narrative (they take our jobs) and the victim narrative (they are poor, downtrodden souls who need our help). However, he says both narratives are wrong and that immigrants contribute positively in many areas, bringing new products, inventions, networks, creativity, and investments. He points to the record-breaking fast-food chain Pollo Campero, founded and run by Guatemalan immigrants.
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Zeke Hernandez is the Max and Bernice Garchik Family Presidential Associate Professor at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. A thought leader in global and corporate strategy, he has received three consecutive Emerging Scholar awards and was named one of the Best 40 Under 40 business professors globally by Poets & Quants. Hernandez holds a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting from Brigham Young University and a PhD in business administration from the University of Minnesota.
Publications
The Wharton School: Shattering Myths: Five Truths About Immigration
Barrons: Immigrants Aren’t Victims or Villains. This Wharton Professor Says We’re Missing the Real Story.
Kirkus Reviews: A highly readable, potentially influential contribution to the literature on immigration.
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