Immigration has been important to the growth of the United States since its founding. In an increasingly global economy with increasingly easy movement among countries, immigration has become a more controversial matter than it has been in the past.
The threat of terrorism and concerns about illegal immigration across the country’s relatively open borders influence the discussion of immigration reform now more than ever. The national government has an obligation to protect its people from terrorism, and measures must be taken to ensure terror threats are not introduced under the guise of employment opportunity.
Immigration policy is complex and does not lend itself to quick reform. It is important to have an open and wide-ranging discussion of both the benefits and the costs of immigration, devoid to the extent possible of rhetoric and fear-mongering but also not blind to the concerns many Americans have for their physical safety and financial security.
The Heartland Institute's experts on immigration issues are available for legislative testimony, speaking engagements, and media interviews.
