BARR: Border first

Regain control of immigration
Bob Barr
Saturday, September 6, 2008


AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES Libertarian party presidential hopeful Bob Barr should be included in the presidential debates scheduled for Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain, according to a majority of respondents in a nationwide survey.

America is a nation of immigrants, but the process of assimilation has broken down. Although immigration provides economic benefits, it also affects America´s cultural and national identity. Immigration reform must begin with securing the border. Our primary obligation is to protect American citizens.

The United States has been enriched by immigrants from around the world. Free immigration remains an attractive ideal, but is impossible with the expensive and expansive nanny state that we´ve created.

What long made immigration work so well was America´s famed melting pot—and the absence of any welfare state. People who came to America wanted to become Americans. They came for economic opportunities, not government benefits. The result was a stronger America.

Today, however, the U.S. government has lost control of its borders. While too many people come illegally, we accept too few legal immigrants. Rather than consciously decide who should be welcomed as new citizens, citizenship is bestowed on anyone who happens to be born in the U.S. Current policy is a mess.

The federal government first must regain control over the nation´s border. Only then will the U.S. be able to deal with threats of terrorism and infectious diseases, as well as implement a consistent immigration policy. Effective enforcement is more important than a physical fence.

Next, we must eliminate government benefits for immigrants. As economist Milton Friedman observed, “It´s just obvious that you can´t have free immigration and a welfare state.â€