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The recent National Security Strategy (NSS) released by Donald Trump’s administration has reignited discussions surrounding the United States’ immigration policies, particularly its portrayal of historical migration trends. The document, which suggests that “unchecked migration” poses a serious threat to national security and social cohesion, overlooks a significant aspect of America’s immigration history: the longstanding practice of open borders in many nations across the Americas.
The NSS and Its Claims
The NSS asserts that the historical precedent for nations has been to restrict immigration, implying that open borders are a modern anomaly. This narrative has been used to bolster calls for stringent immigration controls, with the administration framing the cessation of what it terms “The Era of Mass Migration” as a critical objective. In a world where governments allocate unprecedented resources to border security and enforcement, the NSS’s claim that open borders are the root of immigration issues is both perplexing and misleading.
This rhetoric is not unique to the Trump administration; it has echoed through political discourse, particularly during the Biden presidency, where record border arrests and deportations have been interpreted as evidence of a “radical experiment in open borders.” Such statements mischaracterise the reality of an immigration system that has increasingly turned towards restrictive measures.
A Historical Perspective on Open Borders
Contrary to the NSS’s assertions, historical evidence reveals that many countries in Latin America have embraced open borders as a fundamental principle. For instance, in the early 19th century, the Central American constitution of 1824 declared the region a “Sacred Asylum for all,” highlighting a commitment to welcoming immigrants. This contrasts sharply with the portrayal of open borders as a contemporary aberration.
In the United States, the first century and a half of its existence was marked by a lack of immigration restrictions, with the federal government not imposing limits until the late 19th century. It was only after the introduction of exclusionary policies targeting specific groups, such as Chinese immigrants, that the narrative around closed borders began to take shape. The 1920s marked a turning point with the establishment of a system that presumed all immigrants inadmissible unless they fit specific criteria, a departure from the earlier, more inclusive approach.
The Consequences of Closed Borders
The NSS’s framing of immigration issues as being rooted in open borders ignores the complexities of closed border policies, which have been shown to exacerbate many of the problems cited. For instance, immigrants do not inherently strain public resources; rather, the costs associated with enforcement, detention, and deportation create significant financial burdens. Moreover, closed borders hinder the ability of workers to seek better employment opportunities, allowing corporations to exploit vulnerable populations trapped without alternatives.
Additionally, the rise of organised crime can be linked to restrictive immigration policies. Vulnerable individuals seeking better lives are often forced to rely on smuggling networks, as legal pathways are rendered inaccessible. This situation creates a breeding ground for crime, while studies consistently demonstrate that immigrants are statistically less likely to engage in criminal behaviour than native-born citizens.
Challenging the Rhetoric
The NSS’s assertions about immigration and security overlook the reality that closed borders can undermine national security by fostering environments where state violence against communities is rampant. Heavy-handed enforcement measures lead to family separations and widespread fear, ultimately compromising the safety of those living in affected areas.
As discussions around immigration policy evolve, it is crucial to challenge the prevailing narratives that attribute the failures of the system to an imaginary threat of open borders. The ongoing protests and calls for immigrant protections across the United States signal a growing awareness and willingness to address the root causes of the immigration crisis.
Why it Matters
Immigration policy is not merely an administrative issue; it reflects the values and principles of society. By reevaluating the historical context of migration and recognising the benefits of more open approaches, policymakers can engage in a more informed dialogue about the future of immigration in the United States. Understanding that many of the challenges attributed to open borders are, in fact, products of closed policies can pave the way for more humane and effective immigration strategies, ultimately fostering social cohesion and strengthening communities.
