Blog on Chapter 13 Changing The Rules: Immigration Law, 1948-1980

            The more chapter we read in our text, I realize how closely my own education in U.S. History resembled that of the ”experts” who made immigration policies, particularly in the years discussed in this chapter. Immigration and immigration policy were never considered as an overarching contribution to American history and foundation. It was almost always a sort of anecdotal part of the curriculum – incidental but not fundamental to the shaping of our country. Immigration was so often a side bar – interesting, even inspiring in the moment, but its contribution was never recognized for its strength and importance. It was so often either a politically correct or politically incorrect, depending on the mood of the voting public and legislators. Policy never seemed to be deliberate. It seemed to be reactionary and it continues to be the same today.

            The Mariel Crisis is an excellent example of how complex these issues can be. Their plight moved the country and the boat lift was a great humanitarian gesture. But then it gets complicated – 125,000 refugees in a matter of weeks – and what to do with them. This was echoed again with the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. A massive humanitarian effort was made to evacuate desperate and needy people to the United State by the thousands. But what to do then? Who would be responsible and how would they get this done? These are challenging situations, but we faltered badly in our country’s handling of our own disaster in Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Policy made in reaction is too often bad policy. The victims of Kartina seemed liked the boat people of Haiti – no one wanted them – poor and black.

            But politicians do not like to talk about immigration or refugees, or even asylees. The most desperate of the desperate have a quiet, almost silent voice. Nativist sentiments seem to be stronger every day, but as Daniels said in an earlier chapter, nativism runs high when fear runs deep. There never seems to be a ‘good’ time to talk about immigration. But the 2012 election will bring lots of discussion forward. I wish I believed the candidates understanding and respect for the history of U.S. Immigration would be better than what we have seen so far. Let’s be optimistic!