Immigration

Overview

Immigration is a controversial issue on which reasonable and principled people may disagree.  Even within the libertarian movement, there are disagreements about the role and necessity of the state. 

Many intelligent libertarians argue that government-defined borders are unnecessary.  As such, free people should be allowed to move freely, so long as they don’t violate anyone else’s property rights through trespass.  If there is a market for these individuals in a certain location, they will be there.  If there is not a market for their skills and culture, they will move away.

Other libertarians believe that the nation state is still a valid entity, and the definition and protection of borders is one of the chief responsibilities of a federal government.  Although current immigration law is too restrictive, and should be revised in a more open way, the rule of law must be enforced.  

Opinions

Anyone should go where he wants, as long as he doesn’t violate property rights.

Doug Casey, Casey Research

A free society should welcome immigrants.  Unfortunately, our welfare state too often makes immigrants a burden to the taxpayer and an easy scapegoat for economic problems.  The key is  not to reform our immigration laws, but rather to end the welfare state and simply enforce the immigration laws already in place.  Indeed, securing the border is one of the few legitimate functions of government.  While immigrants should not be eligible for welfare benefits, those who come here to work and build a better life for themselves and their families must always be  welcome.  Fear of illegal immigration should not be used to justify police state measures such as national ID cards.

Congressman Ron Paul, (R-TX)

Open borders for all who enter peacefully and do not pose a threat by relying on the state or welfare measures. 

Tibor Machan, Chapman University

I have no problem with legal immigration.  It seems to me that we should have immigration laws that include some fundamentals – non-criminals, etc.  Here again, I think a reasonable policy could be agreed to by ordinary people.

Richard Timberlake, University of Georgia

Property owners have the right to set immigration rules for the use of their property, and consensual groups of owners similarly have such rights.  However, no one may impose immigration standards on other owners nor collectivize rules for travel and migration.

David Theroux, The Independent Institute

Comprehensive immigration reform that included a robust temporary worker program would boost economic output and create new middle class job opportunities for native-born Americans.  It would reduce the inflow of illegal workers across the border, allowing enforcement resources to be redeployed more effectively to interdict terrorists and real criminals.  It would restore the rule of law to U.S. immigration policy, while reducing calls for enforcement measures such as a national ID card or a centralized employment verification system, which compromises the freedom and civil liberties of American citizens.

Dan Griswold, The Cato Institute

Open borders.

Jeffrey Miron, Harvard University

Immigration should be restricted to those with a clear need to immigrate of for whose skills are needed by employers.  The needs of certain industries for short-term, low-skilled labor should be met with a comprehensive guest worker visa program.

Dave Nalle, Republican Liberty Caucus