Immigration policy has long divided America and continues to be one of the country’s biggest issues. Substantive discussion gets sidelined by predispositions that people hold for their opposition. Movements to restrict immigration is assumed to be reinforced by cruel, racist and nativist intentions. However, Reihan Salam, executive editor of National Review and the son of two Bangladeshi immigrants, delivers his rational and considerate argument against open borders.
In his book Melting Pot or Civil War?, Salam argues that uncontrolled immigration simply reorganizes low-skilled immigrants into immobile social and economic classes. The melting pot ideal is overshadowed by the reality of a declining demand for less-skilled labor and gentrification of low-income neighborhoods. Ultimately, an immigration policy based on open border principles will create a new ethnic underclass and stimulate racial segregation.
Join Salam for a stirring conversation beyond the partisan stereotypes that surround immigration policy and why he believes a rethink of policy will help America.
