November 21, 2016

Thomas Jefferson on Immigration, 1780

Civil government being the sole object of forming societies, its administration must be conducted by common consent.

Every species of government has its specific principles. Ours perhaps are more peculiar than those of any other in the universe. It is a composition of the freest principles of the English constitution, with others derived from natural right and natural reason.

To these nothing can be more opposed than the maxims of absolute monarchies. Yet from such we are to expect the greatest number of emigrants. They will bring with them the principles of the governments they leave, imbibed in their early youth; or, if able to throw them off, it will be in exchange for an unbounded licentiousness, passing, as is usual, from one extreme to another. It would be a miracle were they to stop precisely at the point of temperate liberty.

These principles, with their language, they will transmit to their children. In proportion to their numbers, they will share with us the legislation. They will infuse into it their spirit, warp and bias its directions, and render it a heterogeneous, incoherent, distracted mass.

I may appeal to experience, during the present contest, for a verification of these conjectures. But, if they be not certain in event; are they not possible, are they not probable? Is it not safer to wait with patience 27 years and three months longer, for the attainment of any degree of population desired or expected? May not our government be more homogeneous, more peaceable, more durable?

Suppose 20 millions of republican Americans thrown all of a sudden into France, what would be the condition of that kingdom? If it would be more turbulent, less happy, less strong, we may believe that the addition of half a million of foreigners to our present numbers would produce a similar effect here. - - (Notes on Virginia I, Correspondence 1780-1782)

Posted by gerardvanderleun at November 21, 2016 9:32 PM
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"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

The US is STILL the best place on the planet to live. The opportunity for opportunity's is far greater than anywhere else in world history.

And it should be treated as such.

Current, and recent, politicians and their employed minions, act like entry to the US is the equivalent to cheap plastic shopping bags, given away with no regard to any and all.

It is not their's to give.

There should be a steep entry fee, held in escrow, and very heavy restrictions on all that move here permanently, for a period of no less than 10 years.

Any and all infractions to the restrictions results in forfeiture of the entry fee and immediate, within 30 days maximum, expulsion to their original country, and a stern warning to never try to enter again.

The existing citizens of the US should not be hindered in any way by the rules set forth pertaining to immigration nor the immigrants themselves.

If the US cannot make a profit from immigration through human currency then immigration should not exist.

We do not need immigrants nor shall we bear their burden. We already have more than enough diversity and multiculturalism to last 100 lifetimes.

It is past time for all adult US citizens to grow up and start behaving as adults, especially the rule makers.

The silly children's party is over.

Posted by: ghostsniper at November 22, 2016 4:05 AM

Wow Ghost, best comment of the month.

Posted by: tonynoboloney at November 22, 2016 10:27 PM

Agree

Posted by: Bill Jones at November 24, 2016 4:46 PM