The ideals a collective (a country, religion, community, club or enterprise) stands for is determined by the underlying culture that is promoted by the leadership. That culture in turn determines the decisions made, which effects everyone in the collective. Some of these decisions can in turn mold the culture, and hence the collective, and this is where problems can arise.
Immigration has been a discussion topic for the Americas since, well, the beginning (or at least the beginning of the Caucasian immigration). People came looking for opportunities and fortunes and freedom from religious persecution. Fortunately no immigration laws existed then and through some strong (Ahem) persuasion, these people successfully immigrated. Over the years and decades they then molded the culture of this land to align with their belief systems.
While some might call several of the beliefs in this culture to be guided by their religious ideals, most of them were meant to protect them from losing what they achieved. Their land and opportunities, for themselves and for their descendants. The culture degenerated from being guided by spiritual principles to being guided by fear and greed, naturally. In fact so much so that even religious ideals were interpreted so as to align with the culture. Which naturally resulted in rebellion and Civil wars etc. and some readjustment was done, but the premise of fear and greed did not necessarily go away.
Change is always painful and that is the only one constant. We resist our changes in body and prestige and fame. It becomes increasingly difficult considering time has his own way and trumps over every attempt to sustain. So much ingrained in the psyche is the desire to maintain status quo, that we forget that without change our very existence should be questioned. We forget the reason why we want to sustain and the basis, culturally, for that sustenance. Acceptance of the principles on the basis of which the collective is formed (land of free anyone?), gets thrown out, and is replaced with self centered laws of the land. Hypocrisy hides behind the face of Freedom and justice, and decisions made are clouded by fear and greed.
The American landscape is on the verge of some serious change and people not used to this are trying all they could to prevent it. The culture of more, a capitalistic ideal centered around the self, is about to change. It needs to. That culture is eating into the fabric of the society, internally. Stress, anxiety, racial discrimination, economic discrimination, depression, suicides, lack of protection or respect for women and the elderly, decimation of the educational system, destruction of values, bastardization of religions and so many others points to what the consequences of the culture of more is bringing. To recognize this, and forcing, revolutionizing a change – internally, would make a stronger and greater country. However if we want to hold on to that culture, or at least a good percentage want to, the consequences may be dire.
Decisions, whether for immigration or otherwise, made with that outlook will only destroy from the roots, the collective and its constituents. History is evidence.
Can we change that. Yes! The best thing about Americans, and the reason (and path) to greatness is we are willing to work hard and strive to change. So lets work in the right direction. Let us re evaluate why we exist, what will make us great. Jobs have never gotten people out of poverty. Lack of concern, fear and greed has. Let us be willing to sacrifice to allow those who are working for us to succeed. Jobs are not lost to immigrants, jobs are lost to greed and lack of empathy for our neighbors. Are we willing to pay the price for our comforts? The right price? And if we cannot afford this, can we compromise our comforts so others can survive? Love thy neighbors anyone? Lets realign our school systems to discipline our children to have kind hearts and a desire to strive hard for kindness. Not to be at the top of the class, but to be top class. Lets bring back our elders into our homes and families. Let us learn to respect and serve respective of color, religion, gender. Let us create a culture where care and concern, especially for those around us is more important than saving a few dollars. Is this hard? Hell ya! Will this make us great. Absolutely!
When that culture is prominent, immigration will not be a concern. Why? Because only those who are willing to accept this culture of sharing and giving will come. Not for the money, not for the ephemeral comforts, not for taking — But to participate in the greatness of caring and giving.