Lawmakers Promote More White-Collar Migration as 'Sweet Spot' for Deficit Fix

Legislators and investor-backed advocates argue that importing more foreign professionals can boost the economy and reduce the federal deficit.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 10:36am

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In a congressional hearing, lawmakers and business advocates promoted the idea that increasing the number of high-skilled foreign workers, such as doctors and engineers, could help reduce the federal deficit. However, experts warned that the deficit is driven more by issues with entitlement programs than immigration, and that importing more white-collar workers could suppress wages for American professionals.

Why it matters

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between the business community's desire for access to cheaper foreign labor and the concerns of American professionals about wage stagnation and job displacement. It also reflects the political challenges lawmakers face in balancing economic growth, deficit reduction, and the interests of their constituents.

The details

During the hearing, Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) acknowledged the political risks of his proposal to import more foreign professionals, asking business advocates to help him find the 'sweet spot' that would maximize budget benefits while also addressing wage growth concerns. The advocates argued that high-skilled immigrants don't compete with certain American workers, but admitted they do compete with other professionals. Experts warned that the deficit is driven more by issues with entitlement programs than immigration, and that importing more white-collar workers could suppress wages for American professionals.

  • The congressional hearing took place on March 18, 2026.

The players

Rep. David Schweikert

A Republican congressman from Arizona who chaired the hearing and is seeking a way to increase high-skilled immigration while addressing concerns about wage suppression.

Daniel Di Martino

A witness from the Manhattan Institute who argued that importing more foreign professionals could benefit the U.S. budget, but acknowledged they would compete with American physicians.

Douglas Holtz-Eakin

The influential director of the American Action Forum, who argued that the deficit is driven more by issues with entitlement programs than immigration, and that the U.S. should focus on giving native-born Americans the skills to succeed in the labor market.

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What they’re saying

“Where's my sweet spot according to your models?”

— Rep. David Schweikert, Congressman

“Physicians don't compete [for wages] with construction workers, but they will compete with physicians in America — that's absolutely true.”

— Daniel Di Martino, Witness, Manhattan Institute

“Let's make sure we take care of native-born Americans and give them the skills to go into the labor market ... Remember, we're probably also going to want to allow some lower-skilled workers into the country as well.”

— Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, American Action Forum

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between the business community's desire for access to cheaper foreign labor and the concerns of American professionals about wage stagnation and job displacement. It also reflects the political challenges lawmakers face in balancing economic growth, deficit reduction, and the interests of their constituents.