Many observers argue that current US immigration policy is broken. Can it be fixed? By examining past American immigration debates, we can identify three fundamental principles that make policy more effective: simplicity, selectivity, and locality. Applying these principles to current debates would lead to a better and more responsive immigration policy, benefiting both current and future Americans.
Key Takeaways
- A study of past American migration policy, particularly around the three principles of simplicity, selectivity, and locality, offers valuable insights for contemporary migration reforms.
- Streamlining immigration laws from the present overly complex systems would improve clarity and accessibility for policymakers, immigrants, and citizens alike.
- Historical immigration debates emphasize the importance of designing or reforming migration systems to select immigrants who align with the prevailing national goals.
- Enhancing state and local government support will lead to better outcomes for immigrants and facilitate their integration into US society.
INTRODUCTION: Voters and taxpayers do not need declarations by high-profle pundits, such as media personality Fareed Zakaria, to know the American immigration system is fundamentally broken. Present-day debates over immigration policy are heavily polarized, with politicians and the Present-day debates over immigration policy are heavily polarized, with politicians and the Kamala Harris ran an ad early in her 2024 presidential campaign describing her as “fghting to fx our broken immigration system” while portraying her opponent as “trying to stop her.” Advocates for more restrictive policies argue that stricter immigration policy is essential for national security and economic stability, emphasizing concerns about job competition, public resources, and cultural integration. In contrast, proponents of more open immigration argue that an inclusive approach fuels economic growth, enriches culture, and serves humanitarian objectives for refugees and asylum seekers. As these debates rage on, individual Americans, local and state governments, and migrants themselves must navigate the ever-changing political landscape of American immigration. Bloomberg Cities reports on how the mayors of major cities across the United States, such as New York City and Denver, amid present day “migration challenges” are creating numerous agencies and programs.