The Dilemma of Immigration Philosophy

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The legal and moral issues concerning immigration have been debated for countless of times since their booming popularity during the 19th century. People who believe that it is morally wrong for a country to deny immigration status argue that immigration promotes democracy, egalitarianism and libertarianism. On the other hand, people who believe that countries have every right to deny people who seek immigration argue that immigration taints the cultural roots of a country, weakens national security and reduces the natural resources that would have been distributed to the original citizens of the country.

To properly understand the philosophy of immigration, it is imperative to define immigration. Article I, section 8, clause 4 of the constitution gives the United States Congress the sole power to determine and pass a uniform rule of naturalization. With this express power by the Unites States Constitution, Congress has passed several stringent laws that govern immigration and naturalization. One of this statute that is still in effect today is the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. The law made a clear distinction between a resident alien and a naturalized citizen. Both, however, are considered by the law as immigration.

As such, even naturalized citizens of a country are considered to be immigrants. Herein then lies the heart of immigration philosophy – Do countries have the moral justification to close its borders to people seeking immigration?

Immigration, although permitted is typically restricted and selective. This is to say that host countries seek immigrants who will contribute a net economic gain to the host country. Prospective immigrants must show the potential to contribute positively to the host society.

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...e welfare of its citizens. They argue that a country’s acceptance of immigrants is an unnecessary burden to the host country since it detracts the government of its duty to the natural-born citizens.

As such, the dividing line for and against immigration based on philosophical and moral justifications is still blurred. There is still no consensus as to whether immigration should maintain the status quo or not.

Works Cited

• Pevnick, R., 2009, “Social Trust and the Ethics of Immigration Policy,” The Journal of Political Philosophy, 17: 146–167.

• Swain, C., (ed.), 2007, Debating Immigration, New York: Cambridge University Press.

• Sarah Starkweather. "US immigration legislation online". University of Washington, Bothell Library. Retrieved April 7, 2012.

• Cole, P. and Wellman, C., 2011, Is There a Right to Exclude? New York: Oxford University Press.

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