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How Immigrants Give American Companies a Powerful Boost Against Chinese Rivals

Policy field

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University of Southern California

Read more in Benjamin A.T. Graham, "How Immigrants Give American Companies a Powerful Boost Against Chinese Rivals," The Conversation, July 19, 2019.

The ongoing trade war is the most visible front in America’s struggle with China for global influence. Oddly, it may be immigration policy, as much as tariffs and trade deals, that determines which country prevails.

That’s because American competitiveness in foreign markets is a key battlefield in the struggle. And while the U.S. has long been the leading source of foreign investment in developing countries, China has emerged as an increasingly assertive player. With its Belt and Road Initiative, China is using investment as a tool to extend its political influence throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.