Immigration: Pave Your Own Way

by | Mar 27, 2006 | Immigration, POLITICS

There are so many platitudes about immigration–some cloaked in sincerity, and others completely meaningless. The truth really isn’t that complicated. The answer is not open immigration, or a closed society. The answer is a free society. A free society is one in which everyone is self-responsible. Being self-responsible means you’re free to make your own […]

There are so many platitudes about immigration–some cloaked in sincerity, and others completely meaningless.

The truth really isn’t that complicated. The answer is not open immigration, or a closed society. The answer is a free society. A free society is one in which everyone is self-responsible. Being self-responsible means you’re free to make your own way, but you’re also responsible. It’s the kind of society we would be if there were no massive welfare state; no massive public education bureaucracy requiring endless taxation to support it; no pressure group warfare in which some groups (for racial or other reasons, never stated) could keep others out.

My solution is simple: pay your own way. If you do so, you’re in. In fact, you’re not only in; you’re welcome. We all benefit from a society in which everyone is self-responsible. What if someone needs help? That’s fine. I have nothing against help. But even in gaining help, you’re responsible for obtaining that help voluntarily.

This, I know, is a radical idea. It didn’t start out this way in the United States, but it has become that way. Not only does the notion of self-responsibility not apply to many of today’s immigrants; it doesn’t apply to the great majority of non-immigrants, either. But it’s the solution. Those of you fighting for a certain kind of immigration policy are fighting the wrong battle. Fight for what I’m advocating here, and immigration policy will take care of itself.

Dr. Michael Hurd is a psychotherapist, columnist and author of "Bad Therapy, Good Therapy (And How to Tell the Difference)" and "Grow Up America!" Visit his website at: www.DrHurd.com.

The views expressed above represent those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editors and publishers of Capitalism Magazine. Capitalism Magazine sometimes publishes articles we disagree with because we think the article provides information, or a contrasting point of view, that may be of value to our readers.

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