Foreign Policy & Immigration~The Human Factor
Immigration reform is a political minefield and more contentious than ever. With the midterm elections approaching this fall, and the presidential election two years away, immigration reform will once again be at the forefront. What is at issue though is not just immigration but also that of unchecked foreign policy. A review of the recent history of immigration and its correlation to foreign-policy will hopefully shed light on the complexity of reform. Throughout the 20 th century immigration policy was generally one of restriction. However, during a national crisis, the link between foreign-policy and immigration becomes very apparent. With the spread of communism in Europe, World Wars I & II and the Cuban crisis’s, the government loosened immigration restrictions and even stimulated migration from Mexico and other Latin American countries. 1. In 1917 the government formalized a migration practice with Mexico. ...