Comment by rayiner

For immigration policy, the issue is the aggregate cultural, political, and social impact of large groups of immigrants. It has nothing to do with individuals.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, reflects the impact of mass German immigration. Little Bangladesh in Queens reflects the impact of mass immigration from my country, Bangladesh. Would I rather live in a country where the government, institutions, etc., were like Little Bangladesh, or like Cedar Rapids? That’s not even a serious question. My fear about immigration is that, over time, the country will become more like Little Bangladesh and less like Cedar Rapids.

Most Americans aren’t British, but most Americans do carry on British culture and norms to varying degrees. If American soil really was magic, and you could take 100,000 Bangladeshis and they’d become cultural New England Puritans instantly, I’d be in favor of open borders.