What’s the right number of immigrants?
(Q’s and A’s from a Gemini AI inquiry)
How many people globally live in poverty?
The World Bank estimates that 712 million people globally were living in extreme poverty in 2022. This means they survived on less than $2.15 a day which is the current international poverty line. This translates to an increase of 23 million people compared to 2019, due to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. It's important to note that this number only reflects those in extreme poverty. There are many others who struggle to make ends meet but don't qualify under this definition.
how many people globally live under authoritarian regimes?
can you give me some numbers?
· Freedom House: Reports 43% of countries can be classified as "free" in 2022, with the remaining classified as "partly free" or "not free". This translates to a significant portion of the population living under some level of authoritarian rule.
· V-Dem Institute: Estimates that a much larger 72% of the world's population (roughly 5.7 billion people) live under some form of authoritarian rule in 2022. Their definition includes a wider range of regimes, from closed autocracies to electoral autocracies.
What’s the US population?
The current USA population is estimated to be around 337 million.
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Assuming that these numbers even remotely represent reality in the world today,
Then, how many of those unfortunate enough to live in poverty or under authoritarian regimes do you think should be admitted legally into the USA through some or any sort of immigration program?
I ask this question because there are endless heart-wrenching cases of wannabe immigrants to the USA. My own father’s family was rescued to come to the USA in 1927 as the Nazis were gaining strength. And, there are many with good hearts that would like to welcome them all. But, reality is that the number of people that could be admitted with such heartfelt intentions is enormous.
What’s the right number, the right circumstances, and the right requirements? I don’t yet have an opinion or guess myself.
But, I’d like to hear what the community thinks!
