Thomas Sowell on how to deal with illegal migrants
Immigration Perspectives in the United States
General Views on Immigration
- The speaker emphasizes that there is no singular definition of "immigrant," as different groups contribute variably to society, with some adding value and others potentially relying on welfare.
- It is noted that discussions about immigrants often occur in the abstract, ignoring the historical diversity among immigrant groups throughout U.S. history.
Border Control and Policy Implications
- The speaker argues for the necessity of controlling borders, stating that without it, immigration policy becomes irrelevant since external factors will dictate who enters.
- Acknowledges a significant moral dilemma regarding illegal immigrants already residing in the U.S., estimated at around 10 million. Options discussed include enforcement of laws or providing pathways to citizenship.
Enforcement of Immigration Laws
- The speaker suggests that enforcing existing laws could resolve a majority of immigration issues by discouraging illegal entry and encouraging those currently here illegally to leave voluntarily.