immigration

[topaz]

So I don't understand the big ruckus over immigration.

Specifically, I don't understand why immigration is restricted.  I don't understand why we perceive a need to have a category of "illegal immigrants" at all, why we don't classify anyone who comes to this country as a potential citizen if they pass all of the appropriate tests, and a non-citizen resident until then.

I understand the problems with having a large number of aliens who place a burden on public resources and don't contribute to the tax pool.  But it seems like a problem that would be more effectively addressed by taxing resident aliens than by trying to block them from coming here to live at all.

Anyway, happy immigration protest day to everyone!

Comments

[mrf-arch.livejournal.com]

I understand the problems with having a large number of aliens who place a burden on public resources and don't contribute to the tax pool.

Nativist sentiment, however, long predates the existence of a welfare state upon which aliens could become dependent - See also, the history of the Know-Nothings.

Primarily, nativist sentiment seems to be fueled by very basic tribalism, along with a (not always illegitimate) fear that anyone desperate or determined enough to cross the high desert in the dead of night in the face of the INS and the Minutemen is going to be able to outcompete native workers. Top with a healthy dollop of fear about the culture of the immigrant group replacing the culture of whoever is presently in charge, and there you go.