Free trade is a symmetrical idea. Why is free migration asymmetrical?

[Boojatta]

Free trade means no domestic tariffs on imports and no foreign tariffs on exports.

Why does free migration mean simply no domestic restrictions on immigration? Why doesn't it also mean no foreign barriers to emigration?

[aquart]

1. Because you can't control other nations?

[Boojatta]

3. Can you control tariffs in other nations?

[originalpckelly]

8. Actually, yes you can. That's the idea of a free trade agreement...

if they refuse to eliminate tariffs, then we'll do the same thing.

[htuttle]

2. If labor could move across borders as easily as capital can...

...it would be much more difficult for that capital to take advantage of labor.

I'm not sure things would be much better for labor in a situation like that, but it sure wouldn't be as good for capital.

[dmallind]

4. It would be a darn sight easier, here at least.

If we allow free migration then people with the alternative of working across the border for $10 a day or here for $10 an hour will go where exactly? And then when there is so much competition for employment will wages go up or down? Fee migration is a fine and noble idea, but it will inevitably lead to higher income countries seeing a reduction in wage levels as new sources of low cost labor move from lower income countries. Since we are a) pretty close to the top in income levels and b) border a large country with very low income levels (with several others in that category not an insurmountable journey away), the US would suffer more than most. White collar jobs would suffer too - except no doubt at the very top, but blue collar would suffer far more. It would be great for low income country workers of course.

[Megahurtz]

5. "No Foreign Barriers To Emigration"

Yes, we in the U.S. should be allowed to freely immigrate to other Countries
more easily but that is clearly not the case.

[MrCoffee]

6. that is a GREAT question

and one i do not have an answer to.

[whoneedstickets]

7. After Free trade the next major step in the path of economic integration...

..is a Common Market. That includes free migration across borders for employment inside the shared economy. Like a free market it is only possible when a formal treaty is agreed to. After the common market comes some form of political integration. The EU went through these stages. American won't largely because of anti-Mexican racism.