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.  

2.  In 1942 the US put pressure on the Mexican government to accept and formalize the practice of migrant workers coming into the United States on a temporary basis, with the the United States government as the employer.

      3.  1960, Pres. Kennedy put the full force of the government behind those fleeing from Cuba.

      4.  In 1965, Pres. Johnson signed the new immigration act, with no limits established on migration and kept the flow of immigrants open from Mexico.

 5.  In 1980, Pres. Carter re-iterated the openness to the acceptance of Cuban immigrants and kept the doors open for immigrants from other Latin American countries.  (Other examples include the Haitian crises, the boat people from Viet Nam and those fleeing from Nicaragua and El Salvador.)

On the surface all of these were an attempt to meet national needs and policy goals.  They were also wonderful signs of a national humanitarian effort.  But, none of these policies contained an exit strategy.  Although there were attempts in the early 1930’s with voluntary repatriation, and again in the mid 1950’s with Operation Wetback, neither of these were particularly successful and strained international relations. But, what about the effect of these policies on people?

When a government uses people for political purposes, it must expect fallout when it is called into question. The human factor transcends politics. It also impacts the nation economy.  Employment opportunities are lost because companies take advantage of the cheap labor of immigrants’ in the name of higher profit.  The hotel industry and migrant farm workers are shining examples.  In principle, this is slave labor and has a dehumanizing effect on the immigrant and those citizens who seek employment. 

While most agree immigration reform is absolutely necessary, we must re-frame our foreign policy. We must also be ready to face the economic impact of an extreme shift in policy.   A mass exodus of undocumented immigrants could bring our economic system to its knees and negatively impact our foreign relations.  So, what is the answer?

There is no easy solution.  The government created this nightmare out of self-interest with no thought on the future or who it would effect.  I am not confident that the current government can offer a solution that does not affect all Americans.  Unfortunately, there are human lives that will be disturbed regardless of the reform plan.