Xenophobia is causing 'economic downfall' : Joe Biden

New Delhi. US President Joe Biden has stirred controversy with his recent remarks, branding India, China, Japan, and Russia as "xenophobic" for their purported reluctance to embrace immigrants. Biden's comments, delivered at a fundraising event, underscore the perceived connection between immigration policies and economic growth in these countries.

Addressing attendees, Biden emphasized the vital role of immigrants in driving economic prosperity, contrasting this with what he described as the xenophobic tendencies of certain nations. He pointedly questioned why countries like China, Japan, Russia, and India were encountering economic challenges, suggesting that their aversion to immigrants was a contributing factor.

IMF predicts economic downfall in 2024

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued forecasts indicating a potential slowdown in global economic growth for 2024 compared to the previous year. Projections vary, with developed economies like Japan expected to see modest growth of 0.9%, while developing nations such as India could experience a more robust expansion of 6.8%.

Concerns arise regarding irregular migration

However, concerns surrounding irregular migration have become increasingly prominent, emerging as a focal point for US voters ahead of the upcoming presidential election. President Biden, who has been critical of his Republican predecessor Donald Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, has actively pursued diplomatic relations with key allies like Japan and India.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to forge stronger economic and political alliances aimed at countering the influence of global powers such as China and Russia. As the world grapples with economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the nexus between immigration policies and economic growth remains a topic of contentious debate on the international stage.

IMF highlights importance of migration for economic boost

According to Reuters, the IMF's predictions highlight the importance of migration in bolstering economic performance. In the United States, for instance, an increase in the labor force through immigration has contributed to a better-than-expected growth rate, with the IMF forecasting a 2.7% expansion.