As the May 1 immigration demonstrations approach, it is clearly obvious that whatever merits or faults US immigration policy may have, the law has definitely not been effectively enforced or applied. Twelve million illegal immigrants, the majority of which hail from a single country, proves the truth of that. In such times it is often useful to step back and think critically about what the ideal US immigration policy should be and why. What do we gain or lose as a nation and as individuals by allowing foreigners to become Americans? How many immigrants can we take at once, and how many are ideal? How do we decide who can and cannot become a citizen? Or is it even ethical to create restrictions?
I offer here a poll of ten different basic immigration schemes, with explanations and what I believe are their most salient features and consequences posted below the fold. Orthogonal matters like whether to favor extended family or not have been reserved for debate in the comments.
1. Equal-sized quotas for countries regardless of population. This would promote the highest cultural diversity amongst migrants. Beneficial in the sense that diversity makes America an interesting place, and in that it helps prevent powerful migrant groups beholden to the interests of particular foreign nations from forming. Complicated by the question of how to define a country; do you consider the European Union member states individually or the EU as a whole?
2. Quotas by population. The most equitable arrangement, in that the immigrant population accurately reflects the world population. 1/3 of immigrants would be from China or India under this system.
3. Preference for nearby countries, as a matter of being neighborly or simply convenience. Acknowledges the reality of how geography defines population movement.
4. Balanced (or proportional) migration rules, whereby immigrants from equal emigrants to a particular country. This clearly establishes that migration to the US is not a prize or a right, but a fair exchange. Would perhaps encourage countries to actually promote immigration to their countries for US citizens, and thus could be an interesting and powerful method to encourage international relations beneficial to the US.
5. Preference by profession is the most pragmatic system, in that it directly addresses what sort of workers we actually need. The business-oriented approach.
6. Preference by need (particularly for those who have experienced the greatest hardship) is the compassionate solution. Such immigrants are also most likely to be grateful for the second chance, loyal to the US, and unattached to the old country.
7. Immigration sale or auction could be a substantial source of income for the US. US citizenship is clearly in high demand; this enables the country to profit from it. Payment does not necessarily have to be in money either; land/territory would also be acceptable.
8. Immigration competition (mental, physical, whatever) ensures that immigrants are of high caliber, thus strengthening the nation.
9. Immigration by legislation - national quotas or even individual cases are chosen on an ad hoc basis. Presumably the parameters would be approved yearly, much as the US budget is approved. Treaties could establish bilateral open migration with friendly peer nations (those which have similar values and living standards, and for which there is no pressure to migrate). For countries in which there is substantial pressure to migrate to the United States, quotas could be decided based on current US interests. Special cases for individuals submitted by politicians on behalf of their constituents would be unremarkable and sanctioned.
10. Open door policy - anyone who wants to come can, for whatever reason. For much of US history this was the policy, particularly as the country expanded west. It is also arguably most in keeping with the national ideals as set forth in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. If immigration becomes a flood it can put a severe strain on national infrastructure and services. International opportunism and even demographic warfare become concerns.
11. Some other system - post your idea below.