With Donald J. Trump securing victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, one critical issue remains inadequately addressed by both sides: immigration. For too long, immigration policy has been overshadowed by rhetoric and slogans, despite its profound social and economic consequences.
The left continues to advocate for an egalitarian approach aimed at legalizing the undocumented, while the right prioritizes enforcing immigration laws and restricting legal immigration, especially family-based immigration. The latter, rooted in historical understanding, aligns better with America’s long-term interests.
A Fundamental Question: Who Can Become an American?
At the heart of the immigration debate lies a key question: Who should be allowed to become an American? Should immigration focus solely on meeting the country’s economic needs, or should other factors determine who earns the privilege of citizenship?
America undoubtedly benefits from attracting the brightest minds — those with exceptional skills and the potential for economic contribution. Yet, recent decades have shown that intellect alone does not guarantee assimilation. How else can we explain the rise of hyphenated identities that some argue erode national cohesion?
As President Theodore Roosevelt famously declared, “Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag.”
Earlier generations of immigrants embraced assimilation out of necessity. Economic opportunity in a new land meant leaving the old one behind. Today, however, cheaper intercontinental travel and digital connectivity enable many immigrants to maintain dual identities, complicating assimilation. Roosevelt’s vision of a “crucible” that molds people into Americans is fading, replaced by a postmodern ethos that encourages divided loyalties.
The Economic and Cultural Dimensions
America must redefine itself not merely as an economic superzone but as an “econocultural” nation. Immigration should be about more than just contributing to the GDP. Immigrants must also engage with and embrace the nation’s cultural and social fabric.
The welfare systems established by earlier generations to aid vulnerable citizens have increasingly attracted those who view America as a safety net rather than a shared endeavor. This trend is unsustainable. It undermines the moral principle that contributions and responsibilities must go hand in hand.
Immigration policy should prioritize individuals who contribute both economically and socially while respecting the principles that built the country. Welfare cannot become an incentive — it must remain a safeguard for those who uphold the collective values of the nation.
The Melting Pot vs. Multiculturalism
America’s identity has long been shaped by its ability to absorb and Americanize diverse cultural influences while maintaining its distinct character. Yet this cohesion is under threat. Multiculturalism, in its current form, stands at odds with the “melting pot” ideal that made America strong.
The essence of American greatness lies in fostering a unified identity. Immigrants who come to America must not only bring economic value but also commit to the cultural and constitutional principles that define the nation.
A Path Forward: Assimilation and Shared Values
The solution lies in a balanced approach to immigration. America must welcome those who contribute economically while ensuring they understand and adopt its founding values.
Thomas Paine, an immigrant from England, embodied the ideals of America as much as any native-born Founding Father. His belief in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as fundamental rights defined what it meant to be American. As Paine demonstrated, being American is not about birthplace — it’s about shared principles.
America must reexamine its immigration policies to strengthen its identity and social fabric. By ensuring that immigrants embrace the nation’s founding ideals, the country can continue to grow while preserving its core values. Immigration, then, becomes not merely a transaction but a transformative process that upholds the nation’s unity and strength.
Samrat Dhar is a conservatarian writer, blending insights from his business background and expertise in cultural diplomacy to explore the interplay of tradition, free markets, and governance in a global context.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
