I would infer from your post that you favor immigration for diversity's sake.
You correctly label that an inference, because I didn't say that. I said I like that America has some diversity and that it welcomes and to some degree assimilates and is tolerant of other cultures. I like having this for its own sake and also because there is a great Thai restaurant down the road that otherwise wouldn't be there. I think an integral part of what makes America able to attract diverse contributors to its society is that the government is kept out of religion. I would like to see government also kept out of things like setting jobs and school slots aside based on where your ancestors are from or what arbitrary racial classification some anthropologist would place you in. I look forward to the day when our census forms only verify that your race is "human".
What our policy on immigration ought to be is a related but different question the way I see it. And much of what you say on that topic I agree with:
I believe that we should invite people here who can make a contribution to our society beyond simply bringing their own traditions and customs with them.
Agreed. I think, though, that by bringing some of their traditions and customs in they add to the richness of the American experience. All of our customs come from elsewhere; it's what makes us different.
They should have an employment skill our nation would benefit from.
Agreed.
They should have financial means so they do not become dependent on our welfare systems.
Agreed, and I believe that to a large degree that is already part of the system, through requiring citizens in many cases to attest that they will financially support the immigrant.
They should come here wanting to be Americans, and take seriously their required oath to renounce prior allegiance to another nation, to obey our Constitution and laws, and to bear arms in defense of our country if called upon. They should view U.S. citizenship as a precious privilege, and not some kind of "right."
Absolutely. And the immigrant family I married into came here wanting to be Americans worse than most Americans want to be Americans, and believe me, they view their U.S. citizenship prvilege with more reverence than most native born Americans I know.
They should wish to live among other Americans, and not in an enclave of their own ethnic kind.
I generally agree with this, but I don't think we should take it too far. Freedom of association is one of our most precious rights. If these immigrants feel comfortable worshiping in a Hindu temple, or going to shop or eat in ethnic shopping areas where they are reminded of their homelands and are brought a nostalgic feeling of joy mixed perhaps with sadness about what they have left behind, who are we to tell them they can't feel that or want that?
They should be respectful of the customs and traditions of their adopted homeland.
Agreed. And most are.
I do support the generosity of America in taking in those who are threatened and persecuted in their native lands, to the extent that our resources allow.
Me too. And not only do our resources allow a lot of this, but often these people become individual drivers of economic growth through their hard work and business creation. There are many such stories.
The main thing I would add to your "policy" proposal is that some limited degree of family reunification would be appropriate. If my son or daughter meets a non-U.S. national and wants to marry them, I would like that person to have the right to become a U.S. citizen provided the other requirements of citizenship were met. Extending that down the family tree, though, should be done only on a limited basis, though of course under the other categories you have proposed some other family members might get in anyways.
Immigration is a topic I could discuss endlessly, so I'll stop now. <g> |
