THE IMMIGRANT SUPERPOWER

How to move forward on immigration.

Economist Kane, a research fellow in immigration studies at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, mounts an enthusiastic argument for the critical importance of immigrants to the future of the U.S. Immigrants, he asserts, bring physical strength and ruggedness, traits they demonstrate in carrying out the effort of migration. Once here, they are likely to start new businesses, get advanced degrees, and patent new inventions. The unfortunate polarization of the debate about immigration, in Kane’s view, has been fueled by the media and by anti-immigration activists who propagate the myth of immigrants as “job thieves and cultural misfits.” The author counters that assumption by presenting data showing that newcomers affirm greater patriotism than native-born Americans and have bolstered the rate of economic growth in states where immigration is highest. Kane blames both parties for hyperbole, criticizing Democrats for investing in a culture war led by critical race theory activists. Despite polarizing rhetoric, reputable surveys (Pew, Gallop) and studies reveal that most Americans support the present level of immigration of about 1 million people per year. Dispelling a pernicious myth, Kane shows how America is not overrun with immigrants: In fact, in the early 19th century, 30% of the population was foreign-born; now it is 15%. The origin story of America, he notes, was one of refugee emigration: “newcomers were fleeing oppression in the Old World for freedom in the New.” Offering an overview of immigration legislation, Kane praises presidents who have been the most open to immigration, such as Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and especially Ronald Reagan. As far as immigration reform, Kane suggests beginning with a subissue that garners widespread support and following up with incremental steps. Needed reforms might include overhauling work visas and redefining refugee programs to promote human rights. Immigration, Kane underscores, is America’s “fundamental cause of extraordinary prosperity and military power.”

A well-informed analysis of a perennial problem.