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rachelwalexander's review
3.0
The libertarian/economist arguments on immigration almost never address push factors or consider any ethical implications there. I realise that's a slightly different issue but it seems so odd to me to talk about the moral imperative to welcome immigrants without ever discussing why they leave home and the role U.S. policy can play in that.
thenextgenlib's review
5.0
Great graphic novel to teach kids about immigration and beautiful artwork.
vayolet's review
3.0
I am very divided about this book. I think it makes some good points and debunks some myths and preconceptions about immigration. It could be useful to help people be more open towards immigration (even if it's not full open borders). I still think it misses a lot of important points and puts the focus on perpetuating inequalities to serve capitalism, which is quite disgusting in my opinion. It's not surprising if you know Caplan or have read other things about him, but it still doesn't make it OK. I am probably not going to be reading more from him (or maybe I will, in a sadistic kind of way so I can prepare myself if I ever encounter someone holding silly libertarian ideas). But what do I know, I'm just a silly woman who is too sensitive to hold rational libertarian ideas, right?
kimscozyreads's review
3.0
Advocating for open borders (yay!) from... a neoliberal perspective. Hmm. It makes some... bad good points. Good in that the logic seems sound enough, bad in that they are not morally sound. Worried about lots of immigrants voting? Don't be! Poor people can't/don't vote much anyways. Paraphrasing but, that was the argument. Yikes. I don't know how you put that view and its implied contentment with the powerlessness of the working class in the same book that had a very thoughtful section on why preventing someone from immigrating is an affront to them.
lemonsoiree's review
5.0
Really terrific. Smart, well-presented arguments. Everyone should read this.
mabersold's review
5.0
Well this book will probably get some hate by both the far right and the far left...which means it's my kind of book! I didn't suspect that one of my favorite nonfiction books of 2020 was going to be a graphic novel version of immigration research by author Bryan Caplan, but here we are. The author makes a compelling argument for liberalizing immigration laws and opening borders, primarily focused on the USA but applicable elsewhere, too. I'm no economist so it's hard for me to find the flaws in the argument. I also enjoyed the artwork by Zach Weinersmith, which made the subject matter enjoyable and approachable.
I don't think the author spent sufficient time discussing the aspect of brain drain - ie, what happens to communities when people emigrate to seek their fortune elsewhere. I would like to hear about whether this is a problem that open borders accounts for.
In spite of this, I give this 5 stars because I enjoyed reading it so much (my ratings are generally based on how much I enjoy the book, not whether the book talks about everything I want it to talk about).
I don't think the author spent sufficient time discussing the aspect of brain drain - ie, what happens to communities when people emigrate to seek their fortune elsewhere. I would like to hear about whether this is a problem that open borders accounts for.
In spite of this, I give this 5 stars because I enjoyed reading it so much (my ratings are generally based on how much I enjoy the book, not whether the book talks about everything I want it to talk about).