Immigration

Immigration is a force of nature, driven by inequality between countries, as well as by opportunity.  Managing immigration is a complex task, as it involves ethnic, economic, political, and environmental factors in both the from and to countries, and also in international relations.  Considering the U.S. as a nation of immigrants, for example, we see that attempts to control the process were at times racist and were generally ineffective in terms of justice for the natives (incumbents).  We've been doing better in recent years, but tensions still exist and need to be addressed.   This post provides some good broad principles for nations on the receiving side of human migration.

There are also larger issues related to the forces driving and enabling immigration.  Consider the matter of political intrigue.  Yasha Levine is writing a book titled The Soviet Jew: A Weaponized Immigrant’s Tale.  In my world view, we need to consider the role of global power politics with regard to immigration.  To what extent are immigrants exploited not just for economic gain, but for political gain?  Just as economic exploitation can harm workers in receiving nations, so can political exploitation harm political liberals in receiving nations.  The political situation in Europe, since the failed Arab Spring, provides a clear, if not straightforward, example of this.  Steve's post addresses these political concerns in a practical manner, but the root cause is another matter.

Looking at the West as a U.S.-centered empire is a useful lens in this respect.  In an effort to strengthen the borders and extend the frontiers of our "liberal democratic" civilization/empire, we reward citizens of the empire with the ability to immigrate to the more prosperous nations of the empire.  Similarly, we encourage dissidents in enemy nations to immigrate to nations within the empire.  In this manner, the Western empire is strengthened politically in relation to foreign competitors such as Russia and China.  There is a risk that healthy competition between empires becomes overshadowed by power politics and propaganda, with immigration being weaponized.  How should our policy prioritize amongst applicants o as to promote peaceful and cooperative international relations? 

So I am agreeing with the post, while also urging consideration of the larger geopolitical framework.  Thanks as always for the thought provoking and constructive words.