Rethinking Immigration

Immigration is good. But too much of anything becomes a disaster.

by Rod D. Martin
December 14, 2015

I have always been pro-immigration -- very pro-immigration -- while of course being very much opposed to the illegal variety. But even before Paris and the ensuing refugee debate, I have been thinking, gradually, for some time now, that we in the pro-immigration camp may be overdue for a re-examination of our core presuppositions, in whole or at least in part.

A few of my growing, and less than entirely happy, thoughts:

1. Quite apart from the illegals -- and the Democrats have now demonstrated not only the willingness but the intent to brazenly break any law in this area whatsoever -- one million new legal immigrants each year is an awful lot of folks. Just since 9/11, that's 15 million new people, not one of whom is an illegal alien.

For perspective, 82 million Americans voted in 2014. Are 15 million newcomers enough to change the outcome of such an election? Is it, as some suggest, unreasonable to care?

2. The Democrats have clearly abandoned even the p…