Solving immigration dilemma

 

5 million illegals have crossed our borders, 2 years, leaving USA with about 15% immigrant population. For years we prided ourselves in being a melting pot, assimilating the new folks. Yet studies of immigrants are showing that their culture persists for 3 or 4 generations.  That’s why Ole jokes are funny.  Almost everyone has funny stories about an old uncle who persists in old ways. And all cultures are not equal, contrary to multiculturalism.  We had numerous exchange kids who often, near the end of their stay talked about things they hated about their own country, things they loved—and the same for America. “You be the instrument of change,” I advised them.  Indeed, there are things about my own cultures that are just as much exasperating as  Fred Sanford was to Lamont. Germans bitch about things to start a conversation—'dour Germans'. Danes believe that you should share personal things only with the absolutely most trusted friend.They are private to a fault. Dutch lecture one another and have the longest comfortable distance for conversation in the world—10 feet.

            If a people lets in too many into their culture, the newbies make the economies they moved to much like the one they left. That has profound impact.  For example, Trust differs between cultures. The English did commerce before they read and wrote.  Your word and a handshake was enough to guarantee a contract. Violate that and your reputation was in tatters; your business career might be over. Trust was of  huge importantance.  Import people who cheat and rarely keep their word and business fails to happen. 3 predictors of a country”s success are—good agriculture, stable politics, technology prowess. And just a few countries possess these in abundance. Ethnic diversity ain’t what it’s cracked up to be.  Yet when fewer numbers are allowed entry, they learn the new system and culture and assimilate. So what does this say? Perhaps we should place emphasis on skills like Canada and UK do. If we want Judeo-Christian morals to survive, perhaps we should give some emphasis to attitudes. ethics and religious faith.  Salvadorian gangs who murder with impunity need not apply.

            But then the question becomes “What can we achieve given the divided politics of USA?” 92% of Rs agreed that unauthorized immigration is serious, but 48% of Ds do. But there are some possible agreements.  50% of Rs want immigrants who can support themselves without needing welfare, but Ds were divided with 23% agreeing that self-supporting skills were important but 28% saying they only care about eagerness to immigrate.  49% of GOP voters want to decrease immigration and Ds are again divided half for and half against. 7 in 10 Americans favor increasing skilled immigrants (60% Rs and 83% Ds) This suggests that lower total immigration could be traded for more that are skilled. (Combining Rs and those Ds who want this).  The half million DACA kids evoke much sympathy with Ds and about half of Rs agree.  You could see a coalition that would give DACAs a path to citizenship and permanent resident alien status. This is what many Hispanic voters favor.  Meanwhile Rs could argue and perhaps get some agreement that we need to seal the borders, build the rest of the wall and sort things out.

            Politically this is mostly advantage Republicans.  The blue collar Rs would see the threat to their jobs reduced. Latinos would be happy with R policies. Biden would be forced to sign or suffer the consequences. Business would get more skilled laborer VISAs.