The accusation of idolatry against immigrants is second only to the emphasis on their apparent criminality in its power to tarnish the image of immigration.

As much as it’s true, we need to look at the causes because I don’t buy the idea that they’re ungrateful parasites. Our generous welfare system plays a role in allowing people to think twice about an unattractive job. The option not to work is a live one.

With benefits come stipulations, and here they are in the form of strict labour regulations. If employing people becomes more expensive, either because of price controls in the form of minimum wage laws or with legal requirements that add friction, employers often hire fewer people. As demand falls, the lowest-priority workers (usually immigrants) are the first to have their applications discarded.