Revamping US Immigration: A Return to Founding Principles

The present influx of undocumented migrants, or what is perceived to be a crisis brought on under the Biden administration, has elicited widescale public concern as well as the Trump administration’s scrutiny. While the sheer magnitude seems overwhelming, solutions largely lie in robust and sincere enforcement of prevailing immigration laws. In addition to grappling with the urgent issue of illegal immigration, it becomes indispensable to contemplate the broader framework of American legal immigration policy.

American legal immigration policy makes sense when viewed through the prism of the nation’s founders’ fundamental principles. Admittedly, the specific rules governing immigration in early America largely responded to the unique circumstances of the era, but the larger principles guiding those rules can still prove of value. These foundational principles aid in designing an appropriate legal immigration policy.

Legal immigration policy must align with the core function of any fair government in safeguarding the unassailable natural rights of its citizens, as brilliantly articulated by the Declaration of Independence. In this vein, securing these rights remains the primary obligation of the government but extends primarily and perhaps exclusively, to the lawful components of the political community, i.e., the citizens.

While the government does not bear the obligation to protect the rights of non-citizens, an exception is fairly made for foreign nationals legally present within the United States. These people, too, possess natural rights that cannot be lawfully infringed upon. Nonetheless, this recognition does not equate to affording non-citizens the right to be in the U.S. without appropriate legal status.

No non-citizen inherently possesses the right to enter or dwell within the U.S., likening the collective territory of the U.S. to the exclusive property of its people, similar to an individual’s entitlement over their personal property. As such, just as an individual determines access into their private home, the citizens of America reserve the right to control entry into the United States.

Under this conceptual framework, we can begin to sketch out the broader outlines of legal immigration policy. To start with, the admission of individuals who pose a direct menace to citizens’ rights should not be allowed. This includes identified or likely criminals, disease carriers, or those posing a national security threat, such as suspected terrorists or agents of foreign governments.

While sufficient, these restrictions still only scratch the surface. Unlike various other countries that base their national cohesion on shared ancestry or mythologies, America’s inherent unity hinges on the common understanding of principles of justice. A mutual pledge to uphold the founding principles of America has invariably been integral to national identity.

When there’s a disruption of this shared moral commitment, as happened in the 1850s and is arguably happening now, the consequences have proven to be disastrous. Hence, we should only invite immigrants who uphold, or at the very least, are not antagonistic to these principles. This suggests that America is greater than a mere amalgamation of shared beliefs; it represents a people united through moral and cultural values.

Such moral and cultural values form the foundation for American liberty and self-government as signaled by our Constitution. Any departure from these can lead to a system unsuited to other forms of governance. Moreover, many societies beyond our borders do not echo our cultural or moral values. However, these are vital for the survival and thriving of our way of life.

Thus, the U.S. should primarily admit those apt to assimilate into and support our distinctive culture and morality. The numbers admitted should also be modest enough to facilitate efficient assimilation, unlike the views espoused by many across the current political spectrum.

Furthermore, we should resist the temptation to welcome individuals into the U.S. merely for short-term economic gains. A sincere approach to protecting American citizens involves safeguarding their right to dignified employment. Importing foreign workers, inclusive of skilled professionals, could impose economic hardships on American citizens.

America’s identity goes beyond the collective pursuit of amplified economic productivity. While immigration and citizenship are distinct issues, immigration often paves the way to citizenship. Consequently, the determination of whom to welcome should be undertaken with utmost circumspection.

Although the problem of illegal immigration has assumed an alarming tone in contemporary America, we should not overlook that legal immigration demands judicious handling. As a nation, we need to negotiate this subtle but significant balance between upholding the rights of our citizens while honoring our proud tradition of offering safe harbor to those in need.

In conclusion, the complexities of immigration reform go much deeper than the public argument suggests. As we tackle the issue of illegal immigration, we must also constructively engage with our legal immigration policies. These policies should not only resolve current pressures but also deal with historical, socio-political realities, and evolving demographic factors for the benefit of all.

Creating a fair, rational, and effective immigration system then will require thoughtful collaboration across political lines, adhering to our founding principles, and engagement with longer-term demographic and economic trends. Our immigration policy, legal or otherwise, is and should continue to be a reflection of our values, realities, and aspirations as a nation.

The post Revamping US Immigration: A Return to Founding Principles appeared first on Real News Now.

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