US Border Policy in Peril: A Reevaluation of "Open Borders"
The latest National Security Strategy (NSS) published by the Trump administration has reignited a heated debate about immigration policy, with critics arguing that the plan's emphasis on closed borders is misplaced. According to Daniel Mendiola, a historian of border policy, the strategy's assertion that "unchecked migration" is eroding Western civilization is rooted in a flawed understanding of history.
Contrary to popular opinion, many nations throughout the Americas have traditionally maintained open borders, often enshrining immigration rights in their constitutions. For example, Central America's 1824 constitution declared the entire region a "Sacred Asylum for all." Even in the United States, open borders were the default policy for nearly two centuries, with immigrants presumed admissible until they met specific criteria.
The shift towards closed borders was not a natural evolution but rather a deliberate effort by policymakers to restrict immigration. The 1920s saw the introduction of a fully closed-border system, which has since become increasingly militarized. According to Mendiola, this trend is far more recent than the supposed "radical experiment in open borders."
The consequences of this policy have been devastating. Closed borders have led to the deaths of thousands of migrants attempting to cross into the United States each year, as well as contributed to a surge in organized crime and social unrest. In contrast, studies have consistently shown that immigration does not increase crime rates.
Moreover, closed borders distort labor markets by preventing workers from moving freely in search of employment opportunities. This has led to a "cheapest labor pool" phenomenon, where multinational corporations exploit vulnerable workers for financial gain. By opening borders, policymakers could alleviate these distortions and promote more equitable labor practices.
The logic behind the current immigration system is indeed backwards. By prioritizing border control over human rights and dignity, policymakers are creating a security threat that undermines the very communities they aim to protect. The time has come to reevaluate our approach to border policy and adopt a more inclusive and compassionate framework that acknowledges the value of immigration.
As protests across the United States gain momentum in support of immigrant protections, it is clear that the public is ready for a serious conversation about the root causes of our immigration crisis. By examining history and evidence, we can move beyond the flawed assumptions of the NSS and forge a more just and equitable future for all.
The latest National Security Strategy (NSS) published by the Trump administration has reignited a heated debate about immigration policy, with critics arguing that the plan's emphasis on closed borders is misplaced. According to Daniel Mendiola, a historian of border policy, the strategy's assertion that "unchecked migration" is eroding Western civilization is rooted in a flawed understanding of history.
Contrary to popular opinion, many nations throughout the Americas have traditionally maintained open borders, often enshrining immigration rights in their constitutions. For example, Central America's 1824 constitution declared the entire region a "Sacred Asylum for all." Even in the United States, open borders were the default policy for nearly two centuries, with immigrants presumed admissible until they met specific criteria.
The shift towards closed borders was not a natural evolution but rather a deliberate effort by policymakers to restrict immigration. The 1920s saw the introduction of a fully closed-border system, which has since become increasingly militarized. According to Mendiola, this trend is far more recent than the supposed "radical experiment in open borders."
The consequences of this policy have been devastating. Closed borders have led to the deaths of thousands of migrants attempting to cross into the United States each year, as well as contributed to a surge in organized crime and social unrest. In contrast, studies have consistently shown that immigration does not increase crime rates.
Moreover, closed borders distort labor markets by preventing workers from moving freely in search of employment opportunities. This has led to a "cheapest labor pool" phenomenon, where multinational corporations exploit vulnerable workers for financial gain. By opening borders, policymakers could alleviate these distortions and promote more equitable labor practices.
The logic behind the current immigration system is indeed backwards. By prioritizing border control over human rights and dignity, policymakers are creating a security threat that undermines the very communities they aim to protect. The time has come to reevaluate our approach to border policy and adopt a more inclusive and compassionate framework that acknowledges the value of immigration.
As protests across the United States gain momentum in support of immigrant protections, it is clear that the public is ready for a serious conversation about the root causes of our immigration crisis. By examining history and evidence, we can move beyond the flawed assumptions of the NSS and forge a more just and equitable future for all.
. It's been pretty clear for ages that open borders aren't the issue, but rather our crappy labor laws & policies 
. We're basically paying workers peanuts because they can't move to other countries to find better jobs 
. And don't even get me started on how many lives are lost at the border trying to escape some pretty messed up situations 
. It's time for us to rethink our priorities and treat immigrants with the dignity they deserve 
. We need a more humane & inclusive approach, not just a bunch of empty rhetoric about "Western civilization" 
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. And let's get real, most immigrants aren't coming here for the free healthcare and avocado toast, they're looking for work and a chance to contribute.
. Protests are a great start, but it's time for real change, not just rhetoric 
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It's time to shift our mindset about border policy and focus on creating a more inclusive and compassionate framework that acknowledges the value of immigration. We need to break free from the flawed assumptions of the past and forge a new path forward, one that prioritizes human rights and dignity over security threats.
. It's like they're forgetting that people are people, you know? We all come from somewhere, we all have families and stories to tell. Closing borders is not the answer, it's just gonna make things worse. I mean, think about it - thousands of people are dying trying to get here every year... it's heartbreaking 
. And for what? So we can keep our "Western civilization" safe from immigrants? That's not how it works. We need to be more inclusive, more compassionate. Let's look at history and see that open borders were the norm for so long, it's crazy we're even having this debate in the first place 
Multinational corporations just want cheap labor to exploit. But we can do better than that. We need to open borders and create a system that prioritizes people's rights over profits. It's time for a change, and I'm all for it 
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thousands of people dying trying to cross over, and corporations taking advantage of workers because they can't move around freely 
it's just so... backwards. We need to rethink this whole immigration thing, for real 
. The 1824 constitution from Central America is a weird example - what about the whole slave trade thing? 
... are they actually verified numbers or just estimated? It's easy to say that closed borders lead to more deaths, but where's the proof? 
. And what's with all this "Western civilization" nonsense? 
Who knew our neighbors had a more inclusive approach to immigration than we do today? 
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. But let's do it with a level head and some facts. No more relying on flawed assumptions or xenophobia 
.
! Can you believe that our borders have been closed for like, decades? It's insane how it's led to so many issues - migrant deaths, organized crime, social unrest... it's just not right 
. The US needs to open its doors and let people in who just want a better life 
. We can't keep treating human rights like they're just statistics 
. It's time for a change! 
. The idea that immigration is somehow eroding Western civilization? That doesn't add up in my opinion 
. This whole "reevaluation" thing is long overdue in my opinion 
. We should be listening to experts like Daniel Mendiola and having a real conversation about what's best for everyone, not just some politicians trying to score points 
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. They bring different skills, perspectives, and energy to the table. It's actually pretty cool 
. AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON HOW OPEN BORDERS COULD PROMOTE MORE EQUITABLE LABOR PRACTICES AND ALLEVIATE THE CHEAPEST LABOR POOL PHENOMENON 
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"Closed borders are like a bad GPS, they'll never take you where you want to go 
The idea that immigration is somehow eroding Western civilization just doesn't add up. We should be welcoming people from all over the world who want to come and contribute to our communities, not making it harder for them 
it's all about creating a "cheapest labor pool" phenomenon where corps exploit workers for cash