Excluding Immigrants Will Weaken America

America has started to restrict its acceptance of immigrants. This would be understandable as an emergency measure to cut the movement of people as part of the containment of the new coronavirus pandemic; the problem is the statements made by President Donald Trump to the effect that new immigrants are pests who steal jobs from Americans.

The executive order that Trump signed halts the issuance of the visas known as green cards that allow their holders to live and work in America. Short-term work visas are not included, so it does not mean that employees of Japanese companies will immediately have to leave.

In March, the U.S. State Department halted interviews for new visa applicants as part of its measures against the coronavirus. The executive order could be considered a belated confirmation of this. The halt will last for 60 days.

But what is raising a commotion within the U.S. are anxieties that this is a first step toward a serious immigration exclusion.

If one looks at those who were born outside of America but currently live there in terms of race, most are Hispanics (of Central or South American origin) from Mexico and elsewhere. With his racist statements against them, Trump won the presidential election by attracting poor white people who compete with them for jobs.

At a press conference, Trump emphasized that “we must first take care of the American worker.” He said that whether the measures will be removed after 60 days depends on the employment situation then.

Trump hinted that he may not stop at impeding the flow of Hispanics, but also revoke green cards that have already been issued; could the regulations become permanent? If the sense of a “white nation” becomes clearer, it could deepen racial divisions and impair the stability of local communities.

America’s economic development has continued thanks to its acceptance of the skills new immigrants bring in. If it changes this national model, it is dubious whether its national power can be maintained. Trump should make his judgment by considering America’s future.