Alex Nowrasteh is an American economist and public policy researcher who specializes in immigration, labor markets, and demographic trends. He is a senior economist at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank based in Washington, D.C., where he contributes to the institute’s research on immigration policy, fiscal impacts, and workforce dynamics.
Education
Nowrasteh earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Davis. He subsequently completed graduate studies in economics, though specific details of his postgraduate credentials have not been widely published in publicly accessible sources.
Career
Prior to joining the Cato Institute, Nowrasteh worked as a research associate at the Center for Immigration Studies, a nonprofit organization focused on immigration policy analysis. At Cato, he is responsible for authoring research reports, policy briefs, and data analyses that examine the economic effects of immigration, the characteristics of immigrant populations, and the implications of immigration legislation.
Research Focus and Publications
Nowrasteh’s work frequently addresses topics such as:
- The fiscal impact of immigrants at federal, state, and local levels.
- Labor market outcomes for native-born and immigrant workers.
- Demographic projections related to immigration trends.
- Comparative analyses of immigration policies across countries.
He has contributed to a number of Cato Institute publications, including the Immigration Impact series, and has written op‑eds and articles for outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and The Hill. His research is often cited in policy debates, academic discussions, and media coverage concerning immigration reform.
Public Engagement
Nowrasteh frequently appears in media interviews, panel discussions, and congressional hearings to provide expert commentary on immigration economics. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where he shares data visualizations and commentary on current immigration policy developments.
Professional Affiliations
- Senior Economist, Cato Institute
- Former Research Associate, Center for Immigration Studies
Recognition
Nowrasteh’s analyses are widely referenced by policymakers, scholars, and journalists. While specific awards or honors have not been publicly documented, his work is regarded as influential within the field of immigration economics.