The Immigration Debate Explodes Its Own Head

Megan McArdle (a problematic libertarian and blogginghead), throws a nice stink-bomb into the immigration debate. Her argument: if the problem is that immigrants refuse to assimilate into the larger American society then why do we tolerate native anti-assimilationist cultures like the Amish? Her answer: because the Amish are cute, harmless, and white while Mexicans are not. That is, it's the racism, stupid. You can practically hear the collective heads of conservatives everywhere exploding simultaneously. The comments to her blog post are a must read if you want to understand the American mindset on the issue.

To me this another lose-lose situation like gun control. You can talk about legal vs. illegal immigration (and gun ownership) till the cows come home, but the laws are easy to get around and only penalize the law-abiding. If it was possible to control Mexican immigration, it would be controlled. The incentives for illegal immigration far outweigh the risk and penalties. Meanwhile, Canadians come and go without a care in the world because it's in their interests to play by the rules (I assume). Otherwise we're looking at a Children of Men-style dystopia with jail cells on the streets and deportation zones from San Diego to South Texas.

My own response to all of this is far less wholesome:

1) Isn't the nation state sort of an outmoded 19th century concept by now? We have a global economy with global networks. International corporations have staff that coordinate on a daily basis between North America, Europe, and Asia. Why are we so consumed with national sovereignty and borders? Shouldn't all borders be open? Won't the future best be served by the destruction of all maps?

2) Whatever happened to the "go west, young man" spirit? Most Americans are descended from restless immigrants who left home and country to seek a better life elsewhere. Why then do so many of us consider the current US borders to be the terminus of all human history? Shouldn't we be focusing on and encouraging massive emigration of Americans and American culture to other parts of the world. If I want to live in Brazil or Scotland or Hong Kong, shouldn't I be able to do just that? Wouldn't the world's troubles be solved by a little friendly colonialism cultural exchange?

(Those who live within the Culture should be accorded full benefits. Those who do not care to assimilate will be granted pocket-nation status without benefits. Those who care to bring war against us will be dealt with by Special Circumstances. See Iain M. Banks for full details.)

In my opinion, America is a state of mind. It is a constitution. It is neither the people nor the land (it is especially not a religion). We should be trying to extend it's reach at the top rather than worrying about who gets included at the bottom. This should also be our cultural response to the failed gunboat diplomacy of neo-conservatism. Ex-pats of the world unite! Emigration now!

[Via Andrew Sullivan]