Want to Raise Birthrates? Immigration Is the Key

In the U.S., Hispanics tend to have more children. But ‘baby bonuses’ have proved ineffective everywhere

By Jason L. Riley. Excerpts:

"Asian and European experiences are worth examining because the political leaders of these nations, like Mr. Trump, thought that monetary benefits would induce women to have more children. Taiwan has spent more than $3 billion on natalist initiatives. France expanded a policy in 1994 that offered money to couples with multiple children to subsidize child-rearing costs. In 2006, when Russian per-capita income was $10,700, Vladimir Putin doubled the government’s monthly child-support payments and offered a $9,200 baby bonus to mothers who had a second child. Russia’s population was 143 million in 2006, where it roughly remains today."

"even Nordic societies that are known for generous maternity leave and child-care policies have also seen a dearth in newborns."

"Trying to bribe women into having more children than they want has been largely unsuccessful, even when the government offers to pay for child-care while mom returns to the office."

"What has helped prevent U.S. birthrates from going off the deep end is the presence of Hispanics, who tend to have more children."