Book details

Open Borders

The Science and Ethics of Immigration

Author: written by Bryan Caplan; illustrated by Zach Weinersmith

Open Borders

Open Borders

$12.99

About This Book

An Economist “Our Books of the Year” Selection

Economist Bryan Caplan makes a bold case for unrestricted immigration in this fact-filled graphic nonfiction.

Page Count
256
Genre
On Sale
10/29/2019

Book Details

An Economist “Our Books of the Year” Selection

Economist Bryan Caplan makes a bold case for unrestricted immigration in this fact-filled graphic nonfiction.

American policy-makers have long been locked in a heated battle over whether, how many, and what kind of immigrants to allow to live and work in the country. Those in favor of welcoming more immigrants often cite humanitarian reasons, while those in favor of more restrictive laws argue the need to protect native citizens.

But economist Bryan Caplan adds a new, compelling perspective to the immigration debate: He argues that opening all borders could eliminate absolute poverty worldwide and usher in a booming worldwide economy—greatly benefiting humanity.

With a clear and conversational tone, exhaustive research, and vibrant illustrations by Zach Weinersmith, Open Borders makes the case for unrestricted immigration easy to follow and hard to deny.

Imprint Publisher

First Second

ISBN

9781250766236

In The News

"Highly recommended—the most powerful an economic and moral argument on a fundamental issue I have ever read in graphic novel format and up there in any format."—Jason Furman

"A delightful tour of the arguments and evidence behind the debate [around open borders]... What’s refreshing about the way that Caplan responds to the likely criticisms of his thesis is that he’s thoughtful and generous. Nobody is accused or racism or some other less-than-pure motivation." —Bloomberg Opinion

"[Caplan's] numbers-don’t-lie arguments are supported by comprehensive research...makes easy dismissal impossible. His partner-in-insight Weinersmith provides crisp, easy-to-grasp artistic support, with his own occasional insertions of humor." —Booklist, starred review

"A highly effective way to talk about an issue that remains a nonstarter for so many nationwide." —Kirkus

"Highly recommended for all libraries’ graphic novel collections and for teachers seeking alternatives to more didactic texts on immigration." —School Library Journal

“A phenomenal achievement. [Open Borders] is a landmark in economic education, how to present economic ideas, and the integration of economic analysis and graphic visuals. I picked it up not knowing what to expect, and was blown away by the execution . . . This book is one of the very best explainers of the gains from trade idea ever produced, and it will teach virtually anyone a truly significant amount about the immigration issue, as well as economic analytics more generally.” —Tyler Cowen, Marginal Revolution

“An easy-to-read contrarian take from an economist who is right about most everything.” —John Stossel

“A welcome counterpoint to the rampant fear-mongering that all too often dominates airwaves and political campaigns.” —Paste Magazine

“A compelling contribution to the debate over one of the most significant issues of our time.” —Reason

“Just like John Stuart Mill’s The Subjection of Women 150 years ago, this book advances a sustained argument so compelling that it just might shift the moral foundations of the world.” —Scott Aaronson, University of Texas at Austin

“A tour de force graphic novel illustrating one fundamental truth: there’s nothing more American than being an immigrant.” —Jeff Atwood, cofounder of Stack Overflow and Discourse.org

“Caplan and Weinersmith have pioneered a new format: a comic book that's quantitative and informative while remaining thoroughly entertaining. Whether you support more migration or not, Open Borders will quickly give you a balanced understanding of what serious research has to say about how open borders would affect America.” —Robert Wiblin, director of research, 80,000 Hours

“A clear and inescapable economic, moral, and political case for reopening the borders that artfully counters the common objections.” —John H. Cochrane, Hoover Institution at Stanford University

About the Creators

Open Borders

Open Borders

$12.99