If he believes that dead Americans gives him strength, then I understand his statement. Other then that I don't understand, seeing how great the refugee importation is working out for France, Germany and Briton.
32
Can anyone point out where the authors differentiated between legal and illegal immigrants? I could find no such reference. I guess in their world it doesn't matter.
On a bigger issue this op-ed is meaningless pablum. There are no specific recommendations regarding what our policy should be with respect to immigration and refugees. Open borders? Allow residency to anyone who claims to be a refugee - with no screening?
A good place for Mr. DeBlasio to start would be for his family to sponsor and financially support a Syrian refugee family, and encourage other New Yorkers to do the same.
On a bigger issue this op-ed is meaningless pablum. There are no specific recommendations regarding what our policy should be with respect to immigration and refugees. Open borders? Allow residency to anyone who claims to be a refugee - with no screening?
A good place for Mr. DeBlasio to start would be for his family to sponsor and financially support a Syrian refugee family, and encourage other New Yorkers to do the same.
38
Progressives give away much less of their money that conservative Christians.
Our elites demand that the taxpayers pay so that they may sleep well at night.
Our elites demand that the taxpayers pay so that they may sleep well at night.
21
Except for those that are here to murder and maim. Mohammed al-Kahtani? Does the name sound familiar? He was supposed to be one of the hijackers on 9/11. He flew into Orlando International but was stopped and then sent back by Jose Melendez-Perez. A Puerto Rican immigrant who after asking a few basic questions knew this POS was up to no good and was not going to let him into America. You want to let Syrians, Libyans, Muslims into the country? I want more Perez's asking the right questions to ferret out the haters - cause there are alot of them.
25
Bill de Bolshevik is as dangerously naive as Obama, Clinton and Kerry.
Perhaps in the most hyper-technical sense, the mayor is correct. Terrorist attacks by refugees are rare. But terrorism involving Muslim immigrants or refugees and their children account for almost every high profile Jihadist attack carried out in the United States in recent years and a majority of the convictions on terror-related charges. A report released in June by the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest indicates that 380 peopled convicted of terrorism-related charges from the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001 to the end of 2014 were born abroad. That is 65 percent of the total number.
Perhaps in the most hyper-technical sense, the mayor is correct. Terrorist attacks by refugees are rare. But terrorism involving Muslim immigrants or refugees and their children account for almost every high profile Jihadist attack carried out in the United States in recent years and a majority of the convictions on terror-related charges. A report released in June by the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest indicates that 380 peopled convicted of terrorism-related charges from the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001 to the end of 2014 were born abroad. That is 65 percent of the total number.
20
It comes down to one key factor. There seem to be two types of immigrants: immigrants coming to be Americans from somewhere else or those coming to be people from somewhere else living in America. All the well-meaning engagement efforts will fail if the person continues think as someone from another country who is living as a citizen in the US.
The person who sees their stay in the country as a temporary situation may continue to behave as if they still live in their old country, including keeping all their old prejudices and cultural norms. This will hamper any efforts to acculturate or assimilate, and deepen the divide between the immigrant, their neighborhood, and possibly even members of their family.
Our immigration screening needs to determine the willingness of a new immigrant to become an American from somewhere else rather than a person from somewhere else who is living in America.
The person who sees their stay in the country as a temporary situation may continue to behave as if they still live in their old country, including keeping all their old prejudices and cultural norms. This will hamper any efforts to acculturate or assimilate, and deepen the divide between the immigrant, their neighborhood, and possibly even members of their family.
Our immigration screening needs to determine the willingness of a new immigrant to become an American from somewhere else rather than a person from somewhere else who is living in America.
13
Our screening process needs to be administered by an America-lover in the White House. That is the part that makes this system fail currently, and why 66,000 criminal aliens are intentionally left walking around loose here.
2
We can suspend travel and immigration from countries that the Department of Homeland Security identifies as exporters of terrorism with little impact on immigration. This might inconvenience some visa applicants from countries on the list, but immigration laws are designed to benefit America, not foreign countries. U.S. Code § 1182 (Inadmissible Aliens) states: “Whenever the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.” If terror attacks launched by Muslim visa card holders that have cost thousands of “vibrant” Americans their lives doesn’t justify a temporary suspension, what would? We don’t need illegal immigrants for any purpose. We can attract all the legal immigrants we want simply by increasing legal immigration quotas. Millions are waiting in line. We can provide seasonal farm workers by increasing farm worker wages or by expanding and streamlining the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker program. Refugees are supposed to be repatriated when the crisis that displaced them subsides.
29
I made a mistake and meant to say Harinder Bains called poilce about the bomber and I hoped people would give credit to "the other immigrant".
2
Responses to Our Immigrants, Our Strength show how little information we have about the economic reality what immigrants pay in taxes, their impact ion crime rates, how much income they generate--and more. It's alarming to see readers repeat the take care of our own argument. We have the money to do so, not the will. The majority of Nobelists in economics agree: government spending on services strengthens our economy.
The larger matter though is how we respond toward immigrants speaks to our core values as Americans. Yesterday Trump blamed the attempted bombings in NY and NJ on freedom of the press. Scary stuff. So where is the balance in remaining the free society we've always been or moving toward a totalitarian form of government? Is shutting out the tired and the poor yearning to breathe free going to make us safer? What is the price we pay for closed borders? Our immigrants are indeed our strength.
The larger matter though is how we respond toward immigrants speaks to our core values as Americans. Yesterday Trump blamed the attempted bombings in NY and NJ on freedom of the press. Scary stuff. So where is the balance in remaining the free society we've always been or moving toward a totalitarian form of government? Is shutting out the tired and the poor yearning to breathe free going to make us safer? What is the price we pay for closed borders? Our immigrants are indeed our strength.
7
So it sounds like NYC is willing to take in all the illegals from Mexico and South America. Maybe we should facilitate transporting them there.
20
By the way, unload them on the Upper West Side of Manhattan so they may immediately thanks their sponsors.
31
Immigrants of an alien culture, and language are not an asset. The more immigrants who come the greater the divisiveness of the country. This particularly applies to immigrants who come from the Middle East.
Those from the Middle East do not assimilate well. We have only to look at the experience of France and Germany to recognize what massive Middle Easter immigrants have done. We need to be honest, Muslims immigrants have a hard time adjusting to the culture of Western countries. Look at the problems Muslim immigrants have caused in Europe where for the most part they have created ghettos which are little more than a place which resembles the countries they come from.
The immigrants who help and are a positive influence are those that come from a similar culture. We should never have passed the 1965 Immigration law which opened the country to those coming from the Third World. It was a mistake and we are paying for it now in the increasing attack from Muslim immigrants.
It is time to stop the admission of so many immigrants who cost a lot money, often take jobs from local citizens and have little or no desire to assimilate but prefer living in communities which resemble the foreign country they are from. These immigrants are a burden on the country and we should put a check right now on their admittance.
It is time to stop admitting new immigrants and to make a decision on how many people the country wants and needs. We certainly don't need 10,000 Syrian Refugees.
Those from the Middle East do not assimilate well. We have only to look at the experience of France and Germany to recognize what massive Middle Easter immigrants have done. We need to be honest, Muslims immigrants have a hard time adjusting to the culture of Western countries. Look at the problems Muslim immigrants have caused in Europe where for the most part they have created ghettos which are little more than a place which resembles the countries they come from.
The immigrants who help and are a positive influence are those that come from a similar culture. We should never have passed the 1965 Immigration law which opened the country to those coming from the Third World. It was a mistake and we are paying for it now in the increasing attack from Muslim immigrants.
It is time to stop the admission of so many immigrants who cost a lot money, often take jobs from local citizens and have little or no desire to assimilate but prefer living in communities which resemble the foreign country they are from. These immigrants are a burden on the country and we should put a check right now on their admittance.
It is time to stop admitting new immigrants and to make a decision on how many people the country wants and needs. We certainly don't need 10,000 Syrian Refugees.
41
The progressive left loves to conflate turn of the century immigration with the present day. The people of the early 1900's came here with hopes, dreams and aspirations for their children to become American citizens. Many immigrant families never taught their native languages to their children because their desire to assimilate them was too deep. Not now though- entire communities are here with English almost non-existent as a language and no desire to shed their cultures or customs. We have to accommodate them- and that has never sit well with me. [Press #2 for Spanish]. I guess that makes me a - starts with an R and ends with a T - yet I'd rather hope I could be viewed as someone with an opinion- which you may or may not agree with.
47
Pay VERY close attention to what is said by Obama during this conference at the United Nations. He is going to commit to taking in 100,000's more Middle eastern immigrants. Without consulting with anyone but himself, he alone will decide this. Watch, listen and see what he proposes. The NYT will not publish his agenda or numbers.
35
Perfect. What other propaganda do you have for US?
29
Ask the dead and wounded victims of San Bernardinon the Twin Towers, Boston, Fort Dix, and the raped women of Germany how much they trust Alinsky-ites wanting vengeance on America to check immigrants from the Arab world.
We must allow Christians from the Middle East and Asia because they are being persecuted in their homelands - but brittle hater Barack Obama won't hear of it.
When is the Democratic Party going to begin nominating people who actually love the United States above their lust for power?
We must allow Christians from the Middle East and Asia because they are being persecuted in their homelands - but brittle hater Barack Obama won't hear of it.
When is the Democratic Party going to begin nominating people who actually love the United States above their lust for power?
29
"...municipal ID programs have achieved great success in increasing a sense of belonging among immigrants and allowing for greater access to services like bank accounts and veterans benefits..."
If one is already a military veteran -- immigrant or not -- why does one need a municipal ID to access veterans' benefits? I'm skeptical about that assertion, at least as it pertains to NYC, and that makes me question other claims put forth in the article.
I'm sympathetic to the refugee situation, and I'm not anti-immigrant or anti-Muslim. But after several re-readings, I'm not even sure whom this piece is written for. Nowhere is there mention of specific actions Mayors DiBlasio, Hidalgo and Khan wish to see from the individual citizens they seem to be addressing. Do they want volunteers to "adopt" refugee families as in Canada's program http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/world/americas/canada-syrian-refugees....? If not, then what instead? Likewise, there's no specific request from world leaders beyond providing "safe haven and relief" and supporting parties already involved in such.
Without specific calls to action, I can't help but see this article is an overly general, somewhat self-congratulatory statement averring that this mayoral trio sees itself on the right side of the UN's issue du jour, or in this case, issue de la semaine.
If one is already a military veteran -- immigrant or not -- why does one need a municipal ID to access veterans' benefits? I'm skeptical about that assertion, at least as it pertains to NYC, and that makes me question other claims put forth in the article.
I'm sympathetic to the refugee situation, and I'm not anti-immigrant or anti-Muslim. But after several re-readings, I'm not even sure whom this piece is written for. Nowhere is there mention of specific actions Mayors DiBlasio, Hidalgo and Khan wish to see from the individual citizens they seem to be addressing. Do they want volunteers to "adopt" refugee families as in Canada's program http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/world/americas/canada-syrian-refugees....? If not, then what instead? Likewise, there's no specific request from world leaders beyond providing "safe haven and relief" and supporting parties already involved in such.
Without specific calls to action, I can't help but see this article is an overly general, somewhat self-congratulatory statement averring that this mayoral trio sees itself on the right side of the UN's issue du jour, or in this case, issue de la semaine.
13
Yea. Take a look at the streets of Paris today to see the "strength" of that (once) great city. Thousands of people living outdoors in tent cities, with garbage strewn about. Right.
52
Isn't it possible that our immigrants are both our strength and our weakness. One doesn't preclude the other. With our monstrous multi-billion government machine for discovering the evil immigrants in our midst we do a ridiculously inadequate job of letting them slip through our billion-dollar fingers--even when the Russians tip us off on threats and even when we fail to make use of our vast system's pitifully poor or ignored flashing lights. One could easily conclude from the abysmal performance of our system that a pound or two of common sense and imagination would easily outperform all the brass and red tape we have assembled as our attempt at finding the guys and gals that are after our hides.
9
As an immigrant I must say the media presents a fact free argument full of emotional appeals. From 1965 to 1995 immigrants made up 6 to 7 % percent of the US population. Also the anchor baby phenom barely existed. Yet, unemployment barely registered above 5% the entire time. Since that period the elites starting with the mid-nineties has inundated the country with waves of immigrants, one third illegal. Yet, the true employment picture in America is a disaster. One-third of adults between 18-65 do not work. Many school systems, which always had immigrants, are collapsing. The social quality of life in America has declined with over crowded facilities. Many of the elite left and right send their children to private schools and live in gated communities, these people still advise more immigration. However, an even more interesting fact is that these same elites push other countries to have free immigration policies. There are over seven million illegal Nigerian immigrants in South Africa. Does South Africa not have unemployed and poor blacks or have all blacks become rich since Mandela? India has twenty million illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Are there no poor Indians, Modi worked faster than expected? No what the elites want is a passive population who will be grateful to be slaves as long as their bellies are full. In the same way poor Hispanics will accept third rate lives in America because it beats starving in Mexico. When Hispanics complain get Asians and Africans?
36
Our not accountable to the majority will or welfare federal government, acting as a campaign contributions bought-off servant of those who authored this screed, does not need to flood US labor markets with 1 million legal + 100's thousands illegal immigrants a year that are functionally illiterate to gain a few immigrant "entrepreneurs". Whose business genius often involves setting up chain migrations of slave-workers from the old country & quickly sending their business manufacturing jobs overseas ... and then buying off politicians to insure illegal activities they employ are not stopped or prosecuted. We could reduce our immigration totals to the historic average of 200,000 per year that allowed in Wang and the Einstein, while keeping out low skill people whose all manner of exploitation and illegal working in our economy kills wages for native born citizens and takes ever more job types out of the total that "citizens will do" because of slave wage wages or these jobs being filled by illegals working off the books by employers who advertise for "bilingual" (illegal will work for less than minimum wage) workers.We need to move toward a world in which the authoritarian hyper corrupt leaders that oppress third world nations are forced to "raise" their own"100's of millions out of poverty" instead of our leaders forcing our citizens to live in poverty due to labor markets flooded with "global labor competition" from the functional equivalent of slaves both here and abroad.
26
If you think about it, xenophobia so-called is part of a multicultural society. You can’t have one without the other.
8
How about OUR CITIZENS, our strength?
Our government seems to have forgotten who it actually works for.
Our government seems to have forgotten who it actually works for.
65
This latest terrorist attack in New York & New Jersey,was for me the last straw. To put it bluntly, I don't trust any immigrant that comes from Jihadist countries. they may be the salt of the earth, but I'm not prepared to gamble the security of my Children & their love ones who work & live in the Metropolitan area.Obama's audacity to unload 10,000 Syrian refugees in Detroit without a public consensus to do so is unjustified. He has completely ignored the will of the people.If Hillary loses it will be on Obama's shoulders.The people are fed up with Hillary & Obama & their feckless approach to those that mean us harm.I was going to vote for Hillary as the lesser of two evils, but I'm not sure I can.
60
Yes, I'll listen to Bill de Blasio, who refuses to call terrorism by name. It is very telling that the New York Times thinks that his opinion should carry any weight.
43
Why even both with separate words for immigrant, refugee, and invader if they are all to be treated the same?
36
Excellent article, that's however at odds with the tall wall France and the UK are building to fend off the gate to the Channel.
11
Refugee, Immigrant and Migrant – three different and distinct sets of people set in motion for very different reasons. The Mayors make the common mistake of conflating them together. The Refugees and the Migrant must assimilate along with the Immigrant. This is particularly true in France which has no tradition of acceptance of other cultures. The ugly result of this conflated treatment is a stripping of the human capital of countries such as Syria. The war will end. Syria will need its human capital back. The Mayors are making sure that doesn’t happen.
11
Immigration is growing too fast.
Yes most of us are immigrants, the whole world is immigrants if u believe in Adam and Eve, everyone spread from one spot.
Americas population is growing fast, too fast. We take in more legal immigrants and refugees than any other country, around 1.2 million a year.
This growth is not sustainable. Most immigrants and refugees stay on some type of govt assistance their entire lives here. Billions of Americans dollars leave our economy weekly, wired to other countries, hurting our economy.
Refugees receive food stamps,
It's time to drastically cut the number of immigrants and refugees and be more selective.
America is trillions in debt, our roads, cities, railroads, power grid, park systems, schools, etc needs updating.
Cities are broke, school systems are raising taxes. My local school system is raising taxes for the second year in a row, mostly due to the large number of refugees /immigrants coming here. Over 1500 students in ESL classes in the county system alone. School rooms, teachers, books, utilities, upkeep, administration, etc isn't free.
This does not make me a racist but a concerned citizen that our population is out of control and its time to repair our infrastructure and put current citizens first.
Yes most of us are immigrants, the whole world is immigrants if u believe in Adam and Eve, everyone spread from one spot.
Americas population is growing fast, too fast. We take in more legal immigrants and refugees than any other country, around 1.2 million a year.
This growth is not sustainable. Most immigrants and refugees stay on some type of govt assistance their entire lives here. Billions of Americans dollars leave our economy weekly, wired to other countries, hurting our economy.
Refugees receive food stamps,
It's time to drastically cut the number of immigrants and refugees and be more selective.
America is trillions in debt, our roads, cities, railroads, power grid, park systems, schools, etc needs updating.
Cities are broke, school systems are raising taxes. My local school system is raising taxes for the second year in a row, mostly due to the large number of refugees /immigrants coming here. Over 1500 students in ESL classes in the county system alone. School rooms, teachers, books, utilities, upkeep, administration, etc isn't free.
This does not make me a racist but a concerned citizen that our population is out of control and its time to repair our infrastructure and put current citizens first.
45
chad--Let's just let them die. No matter who they are.
4
It is true that without our being led into the Iraq War these immigrants
might still be safely in their own homes. George Bush allowed himself to be tricked into fighting an unjust war against a secular leader who was a major hope for the Middle East. It was the neocons Perle and Wolfowitz who tricked us
at the bidding of Arik Sharon. I suggest sending the immigrants to Israel.
might still be safely in their own homes. George Bush allowed himself to be tricked into fighting an unjust war against a secular leader who was a major hope for the Middle East. It was the neocons Perle and Wolfowitz who tricked us
at the bidding of Arik Sharon. I suggest sending the immigrants to Israel.
12
So prior to the gulf war, people from the middle east didn't immigrate to the US?
5
James--Yes, I agree, but Bush was not tricked. He profited as much as anyone, and walked away from his crimes.
10
James,
Was President George W. Bush the reason President Jefferson had to send ships to the North African coast to protect American shipping? The Muslim jihadist movement was already a thousand years old by the day the Marines took the shores of Tripoli.
It's bad enough to be forced to read the indoctrination blogs on the Web, but
it you are not currently being tortured & forced to do so, why are you so terribly uninformed? Is gullibility THAT cool?
Was President George W. Bush the reason President Jefferson had to send ships to the North African coast to protect American shipping? The Muslim jihadist movement was already a thousand years old by the day the Marines took the shores of Tripoli.
It's bad enough to be forced to read the indoctrination blogs on the Web, but
it you are not currently being tortured & forced to do so, why are you so terribly uninformed? Is gullibility THAT cool?
3
NYT: "Rome Mayor’s Troubled First 3 Months Raise Doubts on Her Five Star Movement"
Considering the massive inflow of fleeing immigrants into Italy it would be good to include the views of Rome's Mayor Virginia Raggi. Or to put it more bluntly, this paper, once again, has no idea what side is up.
Considering the massive inflow of fleeing immigrants into Italy it would be good to include the views of Rome's Mayor Virginia Raggi. Or to put it more bluntly, this paper, once again, has no idea what side is up.
32
"...municipal ID programs have achieved great success in increasing a sense of belonging among immigrants..."
Actual immigrants are some of the most thoroughly documented individuals in our country.
Illegal aliens need municipal IDs.
But that distinction is lost on the NYT.
Instead of calling for more refugees to be evacuated from Syria and imported to the US, wouldn't it be nice if we could actually work constructively with Russia to bring relative peace to Syria so people don't have to flee? Or work together to create a safe zone within Syria so that they can return home more easily when conflict subsides? Instead, Hillary would prefer to continue the destruction of Syria and expel the native population, acting all sympathetic as she ships them over here.
Actual immigrants are some of the most thoroughly documented individuals in our country.
Illegal aliens need municipal IDs.
But that distinction is lost on the NYT.
Instead of calling for more refugees to be evacuated from Syria and imported to the US, wouldn't it be nice if we could actually work constructively with Russia to bring relative peace to Syria so people don't have to flee? Or work together to create a safe zone within Syria so that they can return home more easily when conflict subsides? Instead, Hillary would prefer to continue the destruction of Syria and expel the native population, acting all sympathetic as she ships them over here.
19
When I was working in Europe helping to build the case for helping the rural populations of the A-10 (central European nations) prepare for accession to the EU, trips to visit with groups in Vienna and Brussels were not uncommon. I once stood by the Cathedral of St. Stephen, a national symbol of Austria's commitment to continual renewal spiritually as well as physically 'rebuilding' the church. There was a little old lady I happened to be standing by and she in broken English asked me if the government would eventually replace the cathedral with a mosque. She was being very serious.
In 1683 King Sobieski of Poland stopped the advance of the Ottoman Empire in Vienna. He is known as the 'hero king'. I just heard on the news that there are 88 Sharia courts in Britain. I studied the evolution of common law in England. It is an peerless triumph of western civilization. Why would Britain allow a rule of law like Sharia, take root in Britain?
This makes no sense to me. Actually pretty scary.
In 1683 King Sobieski of Poland stopped the advance of the Ottoman Empire in Vienna. He is known as the 'hero king'. I just heard on the news that there are 88 Sharia courts in Britain. I studied the evolution of common law in England. It is an peerless triumph of western civilization. Why would Britain allow a rule of law like Sharia, take root in Britain?
This makes no sense to me. Actually pretty scary.
50
88 Sharia courts in Britain? The last leaders of England who loved England enough to stop all that were Thatcher and Churchill.
Churchill said that Islam was as bad inside a man as rabies was inside a dog.
Churchill said that Islam was as bad inside a man as rabies was inside a dog.
21
Islam is both a religion and a form of government. Its beliefs are inimical to freedom of expression, and its adherents are more predisposed to violence than are people of other cultures or religions. The US has a choice to take immigrants from many other cultures where the people are less predisposed to violence. At the very least, all Muslims should be required to agree before coming to the US that they will not threaten or physically attack anyone who publishes images of Mohamed.
JD
JD
35
"But it is wrong to characterize immigrant and refugee communities as radical and dangerous."
Immigrants and refugees are not all dangerous radicals, nor are they all angelic contributors to society. It is wrong to misrepresent reality.
Outsiders wishing to join a society should be carefully examined; the current members of a society deserve that minimal level of protection. Only those outsiders who do not represent a threat to a society should be allowed to join that society. No society has an obligation to endanger its members for the benefit of outsiders.
Immigrants and refugees are not all dangerous radicals, nor are they all angelic contributors to society. It is wrong to misrepresent reality.
Outsiders wishing to join a society should be carefully examined; the current members of a society deserve that minimal level of protection. Only those outsiders who do not represent a threat to a society should be allowed to join that society. No society has an obligation to endanger its members for the benefit of outsiders.
26
Sheer nonsense. We shouldn't be lumping all immigrants into the same diversity and inclusion baskets. Muslim immigrants are the only source of terror among immigrants. Many of them will be ripe for radicalization. They bring with them the intolerance of their countries and religion and they export hatred of the other especially Jews and non believers in Islam. Why should innocent Americans pay the price for their terror because left leaning l liberals need to be kind to those that don't respect our ways. We have enough troubles why we want to import a threat to our country.
41
Jobs have been growing, but letting in 100000 refugees is going to negate almost an entire month of jobs added in America.
Corporations love unending immigration because it depresses wages and ensures there is always someone you can hire for basically nothing.
I absolutely hate the argument that immigrants do the jobs that Americans won't do. That is such a bunch of bunk. Every single non-licensed job in construction is now done by immigrants and illegal immigrants. Try to hire a drywall crew and you will see. Americans need jobs and they need good wages, and every immigrant who comes in with no skills will lower wages and take 1 job away.
I'm for legal immigration, but let's allow some skilled people in that we actually need, not more people who will assure no white, black, or Asian person can ever get a job as a drywaller or demo-team.
Corporations love unending immigration because it depresses wages and ensures there is always someone you can hire for basically nothing.
I absolutely hate the argument that immigrants do the jobs that Americans won't do. That is such a bunch of bunk. Every single non-licensed job in construction is now done by immigrants and illegal immigrants. Try to hire a drywall crew and you will see. Americans need jobs and they need good wages, and every immigrant who comes in with no skills will lower wages and take 1 job away.
I'm for legal immigration, but let's allow some skilled people in that we actually need, not more people who will assure no white, black, or Asian person can ever get a job as a drywaller or demo-team.
40
Immigrants have absorbed more than all the jobs created in the United States this century even without the hordes of SW Asia.
11
Today the government strongly backed self driving cars which basically means the jobs of the thousands of taxi/uber drivers will soon be a thing of the past. Where exactly are these immigrants going to work when we're ready to displace a pretty significant workforce in the next 3-6 years?
18
It seems that this article receives a lot of angry comments...
2
Our massive immigration here in So California means more traffic,more time to get anywhere,more road rage,more cost to taxpayers,more pollution,more racism.Would be better if these countries would provide better conditions so we could spread out the population of the world.
24
What an insult!
A few days after our cities are bombed, we are again lectured about the benefits of unrestrained open-door immigration.
Diversity divides us. We are weaker . . . A giant tent city of people of other tongues, religions, and cultural norms. Behold the identity politics on college campuses and in the editorial pages of our most influential newspapers.
Why are we importing people who hate us and want to kill our citizens? Does Bill de Blasio or the other elites worry about being shot or blown up by terrorists? Of course not. They live in the sky, surrounded by armed guards.
At street level, we look upon them with disdain.
A few days after our cities are bombed, we are again lectured about the benefits of unrestrained open-door immigration.
Diversity divides us. We are weaker . . . A giant tent city of people of other tongues, religions, and cultural norms. Behold the identity politics on college campuses and in the editorial pages of our most influential newspapers.
Why are we importing people who hate us and want to kill our citizens? Does Bill de Blasio or the other elites worry about being shot or blown up by terrorists? Of course not. They live in the sky, surrounded by armed guards.
At street level, we look upon them with disdain.
38
The elites that lecture us about letting total strangers onto our streets have plenty of armed security people to ensure that Those Who Matter never even breathe the same air as their new dependents.
20
Refugees should be given temporary safe harbor. Are people talking about permanent resettlement here? Why is that necessary? We should grant them temporary safety but then send them back when the danger passes. That is our only duty under international humanitarian law.
Or we could just be an open relief valve for all the world's ills. What could possibly go wrong?
Or we could just be an open relief valve for all the world's ills. What could possibly go wrong?
22
I believe I understand where he comes from but every time he opens his mouth or takes up the pen I am still baffled and bewildered by Bill DeBlasio. For someone who considers himself smarter and more enlightened than most, it is still amazing he thinks he can influence a narrative by denying the obvious and totally missing the emotional pulse of his public: When New York City (and America) is again hit by evil violence, it seems his first thought is to "prevent a backlash" against muslims. What about simply expressing outrage and trying to comfort? He scolds and preaches and tries to use any means available to avoid terms that might in any way connote terrorism or radicalism. To adapt a metaphor they use in medicine, when there is a stampede and you try to avoid
talking about horses and divert to esoteric and intellectual discussions about zebras, it only makes you look stupid, convinces no one, raises anger, and delays a sound diagnosis and plan of action.
talking about horses and divert to esoteric and intellectual discussions about zebras, it only makes you look stupid, convinces no one, raises anger, and delays a sound diagnosis and plan of action.
27
Article is a perfect example of political correctness. The London Mayor who is a Muslim did he say "Let us expunge violent passages from our Holy Book which are being used to justify such violent acts".
Trouble with idealists and those trying to be politically correct is they are never rooted to the ground realities as they live a very protected cocoon and always strive to be nice and decent public faces.
Trouble with idealists and those trying to be politically correct is they are never rooted to the ground realities as they live a very protected cocoon and always strive to be nice and decent public faces.
26
In the wake of the Chelsea explosion, this is tactless and downright heartless. Instead of assuring their populations that they'll do a better job screening immigrants, it's just the usual accusations of xenophobia directed at anyone who is the slightest bit concerned about immigration and the lack of screening.
How about addressing the thousands of citizens of the US, France, and the UK who have been murdered by terrorist immigrants, or offspring of immigrants, who were not properly screened? Are we supposed to just accept that the cost of immigration is periodic mass murder? Is France simply supposed to accept the murders of 250+ of their citizens in only 18 months, and the response to that is that we must promote "inclusion"?
These three countries are doing a terrible job of preventing dangerous radicals from entering their countries to murder their own citizens, and instead of addressing that, expressing solidarity with victims' families, or promising better screening, they choose to state that we must accept more poorly-screened immigrants, otherwise we're bigots. If mass murder is the price we must pay for "inclusion" then I'd rather be a bigot.
How about addressing the thousands of citizens of the US, France, and the UK who have been murdered by terrorist immigrants, or offspring of immigrants, who were not properly screened? Are we supposed to just accept that the cost of immigration is periodic mass murder? Is France simply supposed to accept the murders of 250+ of their citizens in only 18 months, and the response to that is that we must promote "inclusion"?
These three countries are doing a terrible job of preventing dangerous radicals from entering their countries to murder their own citizens, and instead of addressing that, expressing solidarity with victims' families, or promising better screening, they choose to state that we must accept more poorly-screened immigrants, otherwise we're bigots. If mass murder is the price we must pay for "inclusion" then I'd rather be a bigot.
40
The liberals continue to "get it wrong" when attempting to further their own self interests. Point of fact- Diversity is not preferable or better than a homogenous society nor are minorities better than majorities. To say otherwise actually diminishes the diversity platform. For far too long this myth of political correctness has been broadcast and of course Obama, the first black president; has wrongly encouraged it. The confusion for Bill de Blasio and others like him is that people are simply people; and being alike or different does not make them better or worse. Only little wit excuses this repeated error.
20
My gut reaction is "Oh, why don't you all just shut up?" Talk to non-elite Germans, French, Italians, Americans, etc. about what the effects of basically unfettered immigration are. Those things that governments and the MSM will not allow to be publicized. You might have a bit more cautious and nuanced view.
Sadiq Khan tells us to just accept terrorism as "part and parcel" of modern life. How dare the mayor of one of the largest cities in the world-- and a Muslim-- issue such an irresponsible and foolish statement?
Sadiq Khan tells us to just accept terrorism as "part and parcel" of modern life. How dare the mayor of one of the largest cities in the world-- and a Muslim-- issue such an irresponsible and foolish statement?
44
What strikes me particularly in the context of immigration is the fear of refugees in the U.S. There you are, people defending the Second Amendment, willing to accept the price in blood to be paid for this "liberty". Toddlers inadvertantly getting hold of firearms probably causing more deaths than terrorists after 9/11. But some people are screeching their lungs out for the Obama administration providing shelter for ─ what? ─ 15,000 Syrian refugees, R E F U G E E S, folks, out of millions. To those I say: Isn't there the story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible, which ─ if we bad, bad secularists in Europe are informed correctly ─ is adhered to as infallible scripture by so many in your country and teaches most of you something very different? Aaah, but we don't sing "the Home of the Brave", do we?
1
My grandmother emigrated from Germany. According to my Mother she refused to speak German at all and insisted that they "were Americans now". That kind of attitude is what is now missing in the emigrant Muslim community and will be the cause of great grief to America.
42
I think trying to assimilate refugees from vastly different and restrictive cultures especially from the ME in a liberal western democracy, is a mistake. It is a burden on both sides. The better option is to find them a home closer to their region and provide the funds and assistance to re-settle them. On a long term basis we should focus on how the ME country's a little bit more progressie and inclusive so that they become better world citizens.
30
de Blasio is garbage. This is not how you react to your city being attacked. Advocate for everyone but New Yorkers.
White immigrants are a strength. The top 1% of third world immigrants might be a strength. The refuse we're bringing is not.
White immigrants are a strength. The top 1% of third world immigrants might be a strength. The refuse we're bringing is not.
33
40% of the people living in NYC are receiving some form of government welfare. 40%. And de Blasio wants to bring in millions of poor, uneducated people.
40
Once again, an op-ed piece that draws no distinction between immigrants here legally and those here illegally. All are scooped up into one big inclusive bucket.
Just once I'd like to see a progressive articulate the difference.
Just once I'd like to see a progressive articulate the difference.
33
Just This morning on the BBC News, Lyse Doucet carried an inspiring story from Canada of individual citizens mobilizing to integrate Syrian refugees into their communities (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37412117). The effort seems to be working well and humanely.
Canada, so close and yet so far from our paranoia-stoking presidential campaign of hatred from vile figures who have stooped so low as to compare Syrian refugees to Skittles candy nuggets (http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2016/09/19/donald-trump-uses-sk....
Oh Canada! We were once like you.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Canada, so close and yet so far from our paranoia-stoking presidential campaign of hatred from vile figures who have stooped so low as to compare Syrian refugees to Skittles candy nuggets (http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2016/09/19/donald-trump-uses-sk....
Oh Canada! We were once like you.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
John LeBaron,
You believe all this nonsense on the news about everything is great with our bringing in tens of thousands of Syrians, with tens of thousands more coming soon. You can listen to all the propaganda you like, but did you also listen to the part about all the Syrians who have to go to food banks because they can't afford rent and food.
The Canadian government gives them the equivalent of welfare, which is not that much. And by the way, it is the same amount citizens receive when on public assistance. Now, the people in charge of said refugees want to give them more. Can you imagine? If they succeed, these immigrants would get more money than Canadians. It will be interesting to see how integrated in society these people will be, and if their children will not developed a grudge later on.
You won't hear about the downside and the discontent of the citizens in the media. Everybody is lauding Trudeau. From Bono and all the celebrities. But in truth, the population is getting tired of this empty suit.
You believe all this nonsense on the news about everything is great with our bringing in tens of thousands of Syrians, with tens of thousands more coming soon. You can listen to all the propaganda you like, but did you also listen to the part about all the Syrians who have to go to food banks because they can't afford rent and food.
The Canadian government gives them the equivalent of welfare, which is not that much. And by the way, it is the same amount citizens receive when on public assistance. Now, the people in charge of said refugees want to give them more. Can you imagine? If they succeed, these immigrants would get more money than Canadians. It will be interesting to see how integrated in society these people will be, and if their children will not developed a grudge later on.
You won't hear about the downside and the discontent of the citizens in the media. Everybody is lauding Trudeau. From Bono and all the celebrities. But in truth, the population is getting tired of this empty suit.
17
The US takes in 70,000 refugees every year from all around the world. They are vetted by the State Department and not considered immigrants from a legal perspective.
3
My problem with unchecked immigration - one of my problems with it, anyway - is that, in certain parts of the world, women are treated like sub-human breeding machines, with no rights and no acknowledgement of their right to full equality. This results in a too-high birth rate and a population that cannot be sustained by the country that produced this excess, due to lack of resources, poor governing practices, corruption, no job base, no meaningful education, and other factors.
What that means is that accepting immigrants from these countries is NOT a one-time event. It will continue indefinitely, with these countries continuing to produce excess populations that cannot be supported domestically and that therefore must be exported to wealthier, better-managed countries. It simply cannot continue.
Much of the Middle East and part of Africa need to be made to stop exporting their surplus population to Western countries. They must be made to live with the dire consequences of their ridiculous, unrealistic, destructive beliefs and practices. Yes, that means people will die. That will be ugly and horrible to watch.
But until countries are made to understand that they cannot turn to others to clean up or mitigate the messes they make, they'll keep making them. We need to tell countries that over-produce people that the jig is up. No more human safety valve. You broke it, you fix it. Or you live with it.
What that means is that accepting immigrants from these countries is NOT a one-time event. It will continue indefinitely, with these countries continuing to produce excess populations that cannot be supported domestically and that therefore must be exported to wealthier, better-managed countries. It simply cannot continue.
Much of the Middle East and part of Africa need to be made to stop exporting their surplus population to Western countries. They must be made to live with the dire consequences of their ridiculous, unrealistic, destructive beliefs and practices. Yes, that means people will die. That will be ugly and horrible to watch.
But until countries are made to understand that they cannot turn to others to clean up or mitigate the messes they make, they'll keep making them. We need to tell countries that over-produce people that the jig is up. No more human safety valve. You broke it, you fix it. Or you live with it.
34
New Yorkers consider other Americans yokels.
Londoners think of other people in England as vulgar.
Parisians think of other French people as provincials.
Come to our great cities, the mayors call out, and learn to despise everyone else. You'll be on the cutting edge of vibrancy and moral progress!
Londoners think of other people in England as vulgar.
Parisians think of other French people as provincials.
Come to our great cities, the mayors call out, and learn to despise everyone else. You'll be on the cutting edge of vibrancy and moral progress!
15
1) "inclusive approach", with no requirement of assimilation...2)"growing humanitarian crisis." due in large part of no redline follow-thru...3)"support services and programs", throw money at it until it stabilizes...4)"municipal ID programs have achieved great success in increasing a sense of belonging among immigrants", but we cannot even consider such for voting in the US? Only 4 liberals codes deciphered today boys and girls, more tomorrow...stay tuned!
13
This is a very moving display. I agree with the premise of this article, but we must still be very careful in this day and age.
If I may just interrupt the singing of Kumbayah for just a moment - those lifejackets on display in London could've been accompanied by a display of burquas for all the women forced to wear them. Better yet, instead of lifejackets, how about condoms not distributed in those lands whose demographic instability resulted in many of these economic refugees.
29
You, Bill, Anne and Sadiq are utterly wrong.
27
The elites think "our" strength is a zero sum game.
They only get stronger if someone else (middle America in this case) gets weaker.
They lack the moral clarity to rule.
They only get stronger if someone else (middle America in this case) gets weaker.
They lack the moral clarity to rule.
20
Regardiny Muslims immigrants, Mr. Trump is right that we should be very careful in admitting them to our country in great number and without screening them, because they are danger to our national security and they actually do not assimilate to society, but are forcing society to conform to they customs and religious requirements. Once being in great number, they are even by violence enforcing they customs and religion requirements to non Muslim populations to.
27
Boston bomber was an immigrant and that family received aid in US.
Similarly, Florida attacker was an immigrant.
But I am immigrant too... just not the kind that reads Quran, believe in conspiracies that 9/11 is inside job and refuses to assimilate!!
I waited in line for 13-14 years to get american residency. I am sure that my colleagues and friends believe that I bring new ideas and culture to US. I personally dont see that from Islamic immigrants I have interacted with.
Similarly, Florida attacker was an immigrant.
But I am immigrant too... just not the kind that reads Quran, believe in conspiracies that 9/11 is inside job and refuses to assimilate!!
I waited in line for 13-14 years to get american residency. I am sure that my colleagues and friends believe that I bring new ideas and culture to US. I personally dont see that from Islamic immigrants I have interacted with.
29
A blanket statement about any subject is likely to be false. Yes, this includes even PC statements like immigrants always make everything better and wonderful. Some immigrants do. Many do not. The idea that our open borders insanity of the last 30-40 years is making things better is absolutely not true. Look at the loss of the middle class and stagnating wages and our crushed by numbers education system. Virtually every other western democracy has tightened its rules so that immigrants are carefully screened before being allowed in. Germany has tried flinging open the doors and merkle will likely loose her job over it. She should. The governments first job is to serve the citizens of the country first and immigrants second. We've lost track of this, and need to carfully study how many people this country really needs (we are very over populated now) and who should be let in.
The rise of trump has been a direct result of the citizens realizing our government doesn't work for them anymore but is here to service the immigrant industry first. Our present system has arisen with absolutely no study or vote by the people. It is changing the country in the most fundamental way with no input from us. Not good.
The rise of trump has been a direct result of the citizens realizing our government doesn't work for them anymore but is here to service the immigrant industry first. Our present system has arisen with absolutely no study or vote by the people. It is changing the country in the most fundamental way with no input from us. Not good.
25
Whether or not you agree with Donald Trump on his policy of vetting immigrants before entering the United States, we should consider his policy. Those coming from countries where terrorists have committed horrendous acts upon our citizens should be treated with extra scrutiny. We want to prevent
more destruction and devastation like the ones seen in New York and New Jersey that occurred this past weekend. Miraculously no one died or was seriously hurt.
We are not being racist by investigating those coming into our country. We want to keep America safe and free from harm. We owe it to our citizens and to the wellbeing of all. This is not the time to worry about political correctness. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Law enforcement officials should be given a round of applause for the excellent work on capturing this terrorist. They are to be commended for finding this criminal before he could perform more heinous acts. Thank you for your bravery.
more destruction and devastation like the ones seen in New York and New Jersey that occurred this past weekend. Miraculously no one died or was seriously hurt.
We are not being racist by investigating those coming into our country. We want to keep America safe and free from harm. We owe it to our citizens and to the wellbeing of all. This is not the time to worry about political correctness. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Law enforcement officials should be given a round of applause for the excellent work on capturing this terrorist. They are to be commended for finding this criminal before he could perform more heinous acts. Thank you for your bravery.
19
Globalist garbage! These three cities, which are arguably the three leading cities in the Western World, along with Rome, once were among the most elegant and charming metropolitan areas anywhere have become Third World bedlams due to massive non European immigration over the last fifty years. Crime, drugs, squalor, congestion, debased living standards, lower wages, and a badly damaged quality of life for the native citizens have been the actual 'benefits" / detriments of the massive invasion of these cities by the surplus population of the Third World. These millions of interlopers have also caused prices and the cost of living to soar through the roof so that New York, Paris, and London are all three among the most expensive cities on the planet. Traffic is almost gridlocked and the infrastructure of schools, water, sewer, medical care, etc. have been overwhelmed and degraded and taxes have soared. Slums have spread like cancers. The productive middle and working class native citizens have fled to the suburbs and the rich and poor, both foreign and domestic, remain in the inner cities. Of course the icing on the cake now is the looming threat of terrorism that has happened with increasing violence and frequency of late. This propaganda is simply the leftists and corporatists and their politician puppets reassuring themselves that all is well when it is definitely not. Even more frightening is that this is the future they want for all Western cities and countries.
31
I just know that the overwhelming majority of mass shoortings, serial killings, and gun suicides in country are carried out by plain old white guys--and that the food in this country is way, way better than it was when I was a kid.
Then there's that whole Statue of Liberty thingie, but I do understand that running around wailing with your hand in the air is a lot more fun.
Seriously, folks, get a grip. Some of these comments are every bit as unhinged, as panicked, as what was around during the Great Ebola Scare.
Which, by the way, seems to've evaporated, given the GOP's cheerful attempts to rob Ebola funding to pay for less than we need to spend on Zika.
Want to worry about immigrants? There you go.
Then there's that whole Statue of Liberty thingie, but I do understand that running around wailing with your hand in the air is a lot more fun.
Seriously, folks, get a grip. Some of these comments are every bit as unhinged, as panicked, as what was around during the Great Ebola Scare.
Which, by the way, seems to've evaporated, given the GOP's cheerful attempts to rob Ebola funding to pay for less than we need to spend on Zika.
Want to worry about immigrants? There you go.
3
The Statue of Liberty is a statue. It is not a law, nor written into the Constitution. A nation is allowed to police it's borders and manage immigration.
16
It is disturbing to know that the Republican candidate(s) have successfully pushed the meme - without naming the beast - that "the opposite of political correctness" is "fascism..." They don't use that word - they call it "being honest." Because they are certain that we all know that "straight talk" is what we all think but are afraid to say because we're too wrapped up in being PC to admit there were some positive qualities to fascism.
Clearly, these Republicans failed those classes in high school world history.
Clearly, these Republicans failed those classes in high school world history.
1
A immigrant terrorist commits act of terrorism in NYC and De Blasio's first reaction is to write an Op-Ed in the NYT to bring in more immigrant's?
Are we seriously in the twilight zone?
Are we seriously in the twilight zone?
28
The more we pretend there's no difference between illegal aliens, terrorists, and immigrants, the closer we come to defeating Trump! I just became a Hillary voter myself after reading this insightful article. Keep up the good work, comrades.
4
Follow the money: there are groups who depend on the money they get for dealing with immigrants and are therefor incentivized to have a continuous flow.
12
So this article lauds New York's IDNYC program but should the holder of one of these ID's be asked for it in order to vote, the Times considers it voter suppression. So which is it? Do ID's "build safer cities" as the article states or do they cause voter suppression?
13
We've had three terrorist attacks by immigrants in one day recently. Today we have an article giving heartfelt assurances that immigrants are good for our society. Why did the authors and NYT feel that this was necessary? I smell a double-standard here.
29
Once again we see in the Readers' Picks that accompany every article in Opinion that has to do with asylum seekers the now normal content. The top 9 ,several of them Times picks, express opposition to providing asylum for more than a handful in relation to the population size of the US.
There is no longer any point in writing here in comment land about countries that have done better, about the need to help, a need we, the US, were a major factor in creating.
So time for me to take a break from commenting in this context. Let comment land become the home of xenophobic, the ill informed, the descendants of immigrants who forget their own history. And do not be surprised when the Pick of Times readers vote for Trump.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
There is no longer any point in writing here in comment land about countries that have done better, about the need to help, a need we, the US, were a major factor in creating.
So time for me to take a break from commenting in this context. Let comment land become the home of xenophobic, the ill informed, the descendants of immigrants who forget their own history. And do not be surprised when the Pick of Times readers vote for Trump.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
4
Another politician who conflates those who are here in violation of law with the word "immigrants." Immigration, controlled, legal immigration, has always been a strength of the United States. Vetting foreigners who wish to share in and take part in the "American experience" certainly makes us stronger.
Accepting law breakers and those who have no intention of assimilating into our society and who refuse to leave THEIR xenophobia, homophobia and misogynistic "values" behind will not make our society stronger. To those politicians who say differently I say LIAR!
Accepting law breakers and those who have no intention of assimilating into our society and who refuse to leave THEIR xenophobia, homophobia and misogynistic "values" behind will not make our society stronger. To those politicians who say differently I say LIAR!
24
Immigrants who speak no English, are uneducated, unemployable and have a culture that is incompatible with Western culture (for example, Muslims) are a drain on America and Europe. In short, we don't need them. America has citizens who are in need of help, our resources are limited and space will become more limited as we lose our coasts through climate change so we can't take in large groups of outsiders. China and India like to claim they are the new world leaders so let these nations step up and take in the unwashed hordes.
24
Both my spouse and I are relatively recent immigrants. Came to the US under different circumstances. We are highly educated with five degrees among us all in STEM. We are small business owners. We work very hard and pay more taxes than Republican presidential nominees.
We are grateful for the opportunities this country gave us. We, and our families, have always gone out of our way to make sure that the same opportunities are extended to all, born in this country or not. That's the American way. Let's stop that blame game that has been going on for 35 years now mainly by Republicans.
We are grateful for the opportunities this country gave us. We, and our families, have always gone out of our way to make sure that the same opportunities are extended to all, born in this country or not. That's the American way. Let's stop that blame game that has been going on for 35 years now mainly by Republicans.
5
So you came here legally and are now a citizen. No one has a problem with that. Not even republicans.
12
Why are the Saudis and Chinese not being urged to accept millions of refugees and immigrants? Why not the South Koreans or the Japanese?
Why is this a problem only for Western Europe and the United States?
Why is this a problem only for Western Europe and the United States?
34
Or more to the point, russia and iran who have turned an uprising for democracy into a murderous genocidal civil war.
5
Reading the comments, I see a tangible whitewashing of history. I see a fantasy world where America welcomed Eastern European Jews with open arms, seeing them as pure and gentle future Americans, in need of refuge. I detect snarky tones of "if only those Muslims could act like the old time immigrants."
Well, "stuff" is more complicated than that. When my immigrant grandparents were permitted to come to the USA in the 1920's they didn't speak English perfectly. And sure, they clung to many traditions from the "old country." Despite fleeing persecution in Europe, it was difficult for them to completely consider themselves "American" and wipe away all vestiges of their former lives. That's because they were human beings.
As a child, they told me stories of numerous "Americans" who spat at them, called them dirty, ridiculed their hair, their clothes, and their accents, and condemned them as belonging to a horde of lawless criminals.
Flash forward to present day - my cousins, my brother, and I all speak English just fine thank you, and consider ourselves nothing but proud Americans. And my grandma and grandpa were good Americans and New Yorkers too, contributing to the rich tapestry of our city and nation.
Today's immigrants are no different. Isolated and rare incidents - horrific as they may be - don't change that. Thank God enough folks gave my grandparents a chance. I for one am grateful that the three mayors are continuing to "give 'em a chance."
Well, "stuff" is more complicated than that. When my immigrant grandparents were permitted to come to the USA in the 1920's they didn't speak English perfectly. And sure, they clung to many traditions from the "old country." Despite fleeing persecution in Europe, it was difficult for them to completely consider themselves "American" and wipe away all vestiges of their former lives. That's because they were human beings.
As a child, they told me stories of numerous "Americans" who spat at them, called them dirty, ridiculed their hair, their clothes, and their accents, and condemned them as belonging to a horde of lawless criminals.
Flash forward to present day - my cousins, my brother, and I all speak English just fine thank you, and consider ourselves nothing but proud Americans. And my grandma and grandpa were good Americans and New Yorkers too, contributing to the rich tapestry of our city and nation.
Today's immigrants are no different. Isolated and rare incidents - horrific as they may be - don't change that. Thank God enough folks gave my grandparents a chance. I for one am grateful that the three mayors are continuing to "give 'em a chance."
3
Wrong group of immigrants, Mr. Mayor.
Lets be frank here. If we can guarantee the more liberal and accepting types of Muslim immigrants, I agree wholeheartedly. But we cant. France and London now have entire communities of insular Sharia law, no-go zones fore their police forces. I truly believe the same will happen here.
The immigrants we WANT are the ones Trump is railing against. Latino Immigrants have a greater yearning, as a whole, to be integrated into American society, similar to past waves of immigration to our country.
I just don't see it with Syrian refugees. Sorry......
Lets be frank here. If we can guarantee the more liberal and accepting types of Muslim immigrants, I agree wholeheartedly. But we cant. France and London now have entire communities of insular Sharia law, no-go zones fore their police forces. I truly believe the same will happen here.
The immigrants we WANT are the ones Trump is railing against. Latino Immigrants have a greater yearning, as a whole, to be integrated into American society, similar to past waves of immigration to our country.
I just don't see it with Syrian refugees. Sorry......
18
Year in and year out, immigration is the top political concern among Britons. We have taken in more immigrants in the past 10 years than in the previous thousand. Native Britons are now a minority in London. Today, more Muslim children are born in our second city, Birmingham, than Christians. I could cite endless statistics and endless alarming stories about the problems all this is creating. But the basic question is this: If mass immigration is so wonderful, why do the vast majority of people dislike it so much? Why aren't the views of native people considered decisive in answering the question of whether mass immigration is a good thing? Because we're all racist, right? Because our great-grandparents had an empire that oppressed others? With these sorts of ideas in mind, one of our "liberal" newspaper columnists, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, recently said she hoped white males would be an extinct species in Britain in a hundred years. Cue applause from the Metropolitan left. But as the perceived necessity of this article from the three mayors suggests, there is growing impatience everywhere else on the political spectrum. If mainstream politicians don't deal with public concerns sensibly, we'll end up with crazy people like Trump and Le Pen taking charge. The blinkers evident in this article make it clear that in Paris and London, at least, the mayors are part of of the problem.
29
Sure the ideals the three mayors express are fine-sounding and noble, but we have to look honestly at the reality of today's immigration from Muslim countries.
Europe in particular, with its ancient cultures and traditions, simply cannot integrate more people from places that have little in common with its values and culture. It is already teetering.
This was never a problem in the past. Immigrants came and did what they had to to become French or American. They still do in the US, especially immigrants from Latin America. They share a similar outlook on the world.
Refugees or immigrants from the Middle East, Pakistan, North Africa want their culture, religion and values to be accommodated in their new countries, especially when they come en masse. This creates huge problems, especially in Europe. Not acknowledging these issues can only lead to people like Donald Trump or Marine Le Pen being elected.
Europe in particular, with its ancient cultures and traditions, simply cannot integrate more people from places that have little in common with its values and culture. It is already teetering.
This was never a problem in the past. Immigrants came and did what they had to to become French or American. They still do in the US, especially immigrants from Latin America. They share a similar outlook on the world.
Refugees or immigrants from the Middle East, Pakistan, North Africa want their culture, religion and values to be accommodated in their new countries, especially when they come en masse. This creates huge problems, especially in Europe. Not acknowledging these issues can only lead to people like Donald Trump or Marine Le Pen being elected.
24
The immigration scolds who cannot discern the difference between legal and illegal entrance into our country are one of the reasons Trump may win. As for the refugees who migrate with the expectation of changing their host country's culture, laws and religion to their own, well ... they need to migrate where they can share common beliefs and that is not the USA.
21
Refugees make up a minute percent of America's 45 million immigrants. The only controversy over legal immigration involve immigration from countries noted for exporting terrorists. Visas holders from these countries have thousands of Americans—most of the “vibrant” New Yorkers—in the past decade and a half. We don’t need illegal immigration to pump up the economy or make America more diverse. We can increase the number of legal immigrants anytime we want. Legal immigration produces a highly diverse stream of immigrants who come speaking a multitude of languages from a multitude of countries and cultures. Their tremendous diversity encourages them to assimilate and acculturate into American society rather than coalescing in racial and ethnic enclaves. They also tend to possess the skills and education required to flourish in U.S. society. Illegal immigration produces a non-diverse, low-skilled and poorly educated stream of migrants who lack the skills and education required to assimilate, acculturate and flourish in U.S. society. Since most illegal immigrants are Hispanics who settle in states like California or Texas that already have Hispanic majorities, they decrease rather than increase diversity.
7
Does it look like immigrants are the strength of Europe ? Immigrants are only an added strength if - they come to this country not looking for or expecting a handout, ready, willing and able to contribute hard work to society, and wanting to embrace American values.
12
Terrorism aside, allowing more immigration of any type other than business starters puts more downward pressure on income of all but the most skilled and the most wealthy. Come to think of it, even the most skilled put pressure on the salaries of their own sort.
I know, I know - its selfish to think this way, but one has to remember that our forebears arrived in a time when the country was still expanding either geographically or industrially. It seems that all we are doing now is importing more housekeepers and landscapers.
Let's just say that I have my doubts.
I know, I know - its selfish to think this way, but one has to remember that our forebears arrived in a time when the country was still expanding either geographically or industrially. It seems that all we are doing now is importing more housekeepers and landscapers.
Let's just say that I have my doubts.
10
Fifty percent of small business owners are immigrants. They get loans from their fellow "countrymen."
What percentage of small business owners are Black? Shouldn't we be lending native born citizens money to start small businesses? Do refugees really bring skills that the native born don't have? Or are they just lucky or well connected?
What percentage of small business owners are Black? Shouldn't we be lending native born citizens money to start small businesses? Do refugees really bring skills that the native born don't have? Or are they just lucky or well connected?
9
I do not think that the United States should belong to any organization where the Saudia Arabia can become head of the Human Rights Committee.
18
Regardiny Muslims immigrants, Mr. Trump is right that we should be very careful in admitting them to our country in great number and without screening them, because they are danger to our national security and they actually do not assimilate to society, but are forcing society to conform to they customs and religious requirements. Once being in great number, they are even by violence enforcing they customs and religion requirements to non Muslim populations to.
14
In the interest of full disclosure, the NY Times should post an ed. note identifying those who commissioned these three to write this column and whether they were compensated.
15
First, I'm not sure that you can conflate immigrants and refugees--it seems to me that the motives and needs are different, and that thinking of them as the same confuses the issues. Second, while America has traditionally been a nation of immigrants, I'm not sure that it is wise to continue that tradition--even here we have problems associated with overpopulation (e.g., water resources, strained infrastructure, environmental damage from over-development, etc.). Is it wise to continue a policy that adds to our over population?
14
Somehow the media is ignoring the 800+ illegal dangerous aliens scheduled for deportation by INS being granted citizenship base on fraudulent alias names! Legal immigration is indeed our strength. Illegal immigration is a persistent and growing threat to our personal and national safety. Here in the United States of Guns, it is far too easy for disgruntled aliens to acquire weapons with which to murder and injure Americans. If the INS can't manage or protect US from these threats, who will ?
18
You are right. The media ignores that story and ignores the story. The media has no sympathy for the victims of these attacks either.
6
If all Sunni Muslim migrants were of the peaceful Sufist persuasion, western societies should feel no compunction about welcoming them as immigrants. Sadly, in recent decades the salafist version of Sunni Islam has gained ascendency, and it's emphasis on a literal reading of Islamic texts has made coexistence with infidels and apostates difficult, if not impossible, for them.
11
And Salafism has spread thanks to funding and training from Saudi Arabia. We pay for it with our oil purchases and aid grants.
5
The close pairing of the picture of the bomb suspect down on the ground after being shot (in one article) and title of the op ed, underscored the complexity of the issue.
2
De Blasio continues to demonstrate why he is a bad mayor and must be removed, next year.
While it is true that, historically, immigration has contributed much to America, De Blasio's insensitivity to people who are traumatized by the bombings, stabbings, as well as the potential for even greater harm, make him unfit to be mayor, De Blasio, unfortunately, has betrayed the public's trust.
While it is true that, historically, immigration has contributed much to America, De Blasio's insensitivity to people who are traumatized by the bombings, stabbings, as well as the potential for even greater harm, make him unfit to be mayor, De Blasio, unfortunately, has betrayed the public's trust.
15
The unparalleled migrant crisis we see happening throughout Europe and at the feet of Lady Liberty come at a time when terror and chaos reigns and is being outsourced from the Middle East.
No one country or coalition of countries has been willing to mount an effective strategy to excise the abscess. Rather, multiple areas of pin pricks to drain the temporary spreading has been deemed an effective treatment; allowing time for migrants to flee.
Transference. Being uprooted and forced into a foreign culture must be unimaginably terrifying. With the associated hardships of the language barriers in addition to the bewildering fear of what's around the next corner. As Americans, we have problems enough adjusting to road construction on our daily commute to the office. Look at how we respond to drivers of other ethnicities who we pass during a moment of road rage.
No one country or coalition of countries has been willing to mount an effective strategy to excise the abscess. Rather, multiple areas of pin pricks to drain the temporary spreading has been deemed an effective treatment; allowing time for migrants to flee.
Transference. Being uprooted and forced into a foreign culture must be unimaginably terrifying. With the associated hardships of the language barriers in addition to the bewildering fear of what's around the next corner. As Americans, we have problems enough adjusting to road construction on our daily commute to the office. Look at how we respond to drivers of other ethnicities who we pass during a moment of road rage.
3
There seemed to be an inclination to label people, who wish to have an honest discussion about the emerging problem of Wahhabis Islam, as xenophobic, Islamophobic, etc. It is clear that no buddhists, Hindus, or followers of other religions, have committed such acts of terror as Rahami and others since 9/11. The emergence of Wahhabis Islam around the world and its coercion of Muslims taking on increasingly "conservative" practice and even extreme ideology, are the foundation of the many attacks in the West in recent memory. To not discuss such issue is akin to an alcoholic not acknowledging that he/she has a problem. I grew up in Malaysia and back in the 1960s-1980s, there were few Muslim women that wore a hiqab. Today, 99.9% of all Muslim women are hijab wearing. What is even more astounding is that one can't help but to notice billboards along highways in Malaysia posing advertisements that "encouraged" Muslim to now wear niqab (face veil). Hiqab or niqab wearing is neither a culture nor the custom of the Malay people. It is a subtle coercion of Wahhabis Islam imported from Saudi Arabia that is intolerant and virulent in its teaching. If we want to prevent such radicalization among Muslims, eliminating Wahhabis Islam is where one begins. This is not Islamophobia. If there is any doubt, read the Report of the 9/11 Commission, which includes a chapter on Wahhabis Islam, and recommendation by the Commission on reevaluating our foreign relationship with Saudi Arabia.
16
Articles like this really really do make me want to vote for Trump. I know he's evil, but I'm so tired and exhausted from all this stuff that I just want some sort of change. I'm tired of people thinking I'm priviledged and inherently racist because I'm white. I'm also Transgender, but since I'm white it doesn't matter. I'm so tired of articles telling me I should feel nothing but shame and guilt for being white. I'm also tired of it being insinuated that I'm a racist because I don't just feel shame and guilt all the time.
When I say, I'm proud to be who I am, others say I'm racist. Why can people be proud to be black or brown, but I can't be proud of who I am? Have white people done no good on this earth? Are we all just evil racists who deserve nothing? Why can't I read just one thing that says I should feel good about who I am?
When I say, I'm proud to be who I am, others say I'm racist. Why can people be proud to be black or brown, but I can't be proud of who I am? Have white people done no good on this earth? Are we all just evil racists who deserve nothing? Why can't I read just one thing that says I should feel good about who I am?
16
A country has the right to defend its borders. That's not xenophobia. Both the Vatican and Israel have huge walls - few call them xenophobic. Taxpayers can't be expected to support hoards of people fleeing a bad situation. Instead of spreading the populace of other countries around the world, no-fly zones should be created so people can stay in their own countries and eventually help to rebuild. By allowing entire populations to leave behind the mess their leaders helped to create and moving into civilized areas they had no hand in building, what incentive do they have to help pull their own country out of the dark ages?
18
The costs of immigration have been underestimated and are currently being highly understated. American institutions admired the world over, such as its incorruptible law enforcement, local governance, and models of civil order are slowly being eroded by ethnic groups that push the continuance of those institutions to their limits and beyond. For example, in California where near 50% of the population is Hispanic the level of disobedience has so overwhelmed the justice system that some felonies had to be changed to misdemeanors (including gun theft) resulting in criminal-friendly penalties for burglary and theft. Jaywalking in downtown LA is no longer enforced since poor immigrants were racking up fines that impaired their economic survival.
Corruption in local government in LA county is endemic and 90% of the convicts are third world immigrant related. Is it any wonder since corruption has been institutionalized into the fabric of civil life in the third world? The resulting effects of all this disobedience are just plea deals that keep the corrupt politicians out of overcrowded prisons and off overloaded court dockets. The penalty for corruption, offending the trustworthiness of government, used to be 20 years in prison but thanks to immigration its now just a speed bump in a politicians career.
Corruption in local government in LA county is endemic and 90% of the convicts are third world immigrant related. Is it any wonder since corruption has been institutionalized into the fabric of civil life in the third world? The resulting effects of all this disobedience are just plea deals that keep the corrupt politicians out of overcrowded prisons and off overloaded court dockets. The penalty for corruption, offending the trustworthiness of government, used to be 20 years in prison but thanks to immigration its now just a speed bump in a politicians career.
12
There are both positive and negative impacts of immigration. By having rule of law immigration only (no illegals) we control our immigration to get the greatest benefit, and for humanitarian concerns. Legal immigration can be based on policy aimed at mutual benefits to the country and immigrant. Illegal immigration is based on one sided self selection to benefit the immigrant at the potential detriment of our nation.
Many unskilled citizens are not working. Some are not working because they can not get even a minimum wage job. Others are not working because wages for unskilled jobs have been pushed toward third world levels by illegal labor and they can not afford to trade work for the safety net..
There are many jobs that can only be done in America like construction, roof replacement, maintaining American hotel, landscaping ... We should have a rule of law immigration system that saves all such jobs for citizens in times of high unemployment and depressed wages.
American is a country many seek to immigrate to and we should be able to have as many legal immigrants as we need while keeping the bar high. We should accept immigrants who would put more into the state and federal treasuries than they take out. Who have clean backgrounds and scarce skills. Immigrants who will not require government health spending or other forms of welfare.
We are 19 Trillion dollars in debt, and need immigrants who will be financial assets from day 1.
Many unskilled citizens are not working. Some are not working because they can not get even a minimum wage job. Others are not working because wages for unskilled jobs have been pushed toward third world levels by illegal labor and they can not afford to trade work for the safety net..
There are many jobs that can only be done in America like construction, roof replacement, maintaining American hotel, landscaping ... We should have a rule of law immigration system that saves all such jobs for citizens in times of high unemployment and depressed wages.
American is a country many seek to immigrate to and we should be able to have as many legal immigrants as we need while keeping the bar high. We should accept immigrants who would put more into the state and federal treasuries than they take out. Who have clean backgrounds and scarce skills. Immigrants who will not require government health spending or other forms of welfare.
We are 19 Trillion dollars in debt, and need immigrants who will be financial assets from day 1.
5
It's no wonder I would move to NYC, London and Paris, in a heartbeat, if given the opportunity.
1
Reading all the negative comments to this piece, it is now clear to me that late 19th - early 20th century ethnic nationalism is back with a vengeance. This really did not end well last time. Pray for the souls of our children.
3
As if patriotism ever really went away....
If indeed it "didn't end well last time", it's only because we changed the channel when "the narrative" came on.
The only thing that's not ending well is their failed plan.
Welcome to rejection.
If indeed it "didn't end well last time", it's only because we changed the channel when "the narrative" came on.
The only thing that's not ending well is their failed plan.
Welcome to rejection.
2
It's almost comical at this point to see someone as important as DeBlasio pretending not to understand the difference between legal and illegal immigration. Unfettered illegal immigration is about flooding the market with cheap labor. That's great for the Rich, not so much for the Poor and Middle Class.
22
There's legal immigration, where people play by the rules and usually come with skills and jobs, or plan to start companies, and there's illegal immigration (aka "undocumented"), where people don't play by the rules or obey laws, often never pan to, and often have no jobs, job skills or language skills.
One is not necessarily "worse" than the other, but those groups are different, with different issues attached to them. WHY does this "opinion" piece make NO reference to this distinction?
Doing this distorts the issue and infuriates many progressive voters, who welcome legal immigrants but who are concerned about illegal immigrants.
One is not necessarily "worse" than the other, but those groups are different, with different issues attached to them. WHY does this "opinion" piece make NO reference to this distinction?
Doing this distorts the issue and infuriates many progressive voters, who welcome legal immigrants but who are concerned about illegal immigrants.
13
Legal immigration is a tremendous strength, Integrating diverse people into a union with others is a tremendous strength. Not encouraging people to unite in a single culture is a weakness in society. Supporting illegal immigration is to ignore the rule of law and hurts society as a whole. Yes, our legal immigrants can and usually are a great source of strength. Keeping the immigrants diverse weakens both society and the immigrants. E PLURIBUS UNUM
7
This is so good to hear. There are millions of African and Middle Eastern migrants looking for a better life in Paris, New York and London. Others would say it is arrogant to believe that Muslims from this part of the world would integrate and take on Western values, but just as Cologne has been enriched by mass migration maybe these cities can also enjoy the same benefits. The only thing I would ask is that these people be flown or shipped directly to the cities rather than making them pass through other countries along the way.
3
As a born and bred New Yorker I am familiar with the "melting pot" mentality. I don't need lessons on diversity. I have experienced both the joys and pains of multicultural city life.
However, what is happening now in Paris, where I currently reside, is something other than ""vibrant."
What's become clear is that the current immigration wave brings with it a religion that hardly appears flexible in its adapting to western culture. France is now riddled with problems revolving around Muslim needs, and how the French have to accommodate them.
For immigrants and refugees, assimilation is just as crucial as acceptance. The problem here in France at least, is that the assimilation part seems to be lacking. Unfortunately, anyone who points this out is instantly labeled a "xenophobe" just as this article alludes.
It's disappointing that Anne Hidalgo is not listening to her constituency, those who elected her. "Promoting inclusion" starts there.
However, what is happening now in Paris, where I currently reside, is something other than ""vibrant."
What's become clear is that the current immigration wave brings with it a religion that hardly appears flexible in its adapting to western culture. France is now riddled with problems revolving around Muslim needs, and how the French have to accommodate them.
For immigrants and refugees, assimilation is just as crucial as acceptance. The problem here in France at least, is that the assimilation part seems to be lacking. Unfortunately, anyone who points this out is instantly labeled a "xenophobe" just as this article alludes.
It's disappointing that Anne Hidalgo is not listening to her constituency, those who elected her. "Promoting inclusion" starts there.
19
Immigration, especially undocumented immigration, is a tax paid by the working and lower classes that benefits the well off. This is a fact; which this paper continues to publish weird opinions denying (for example if you invest in immigration for future growth than that is an expenditure that costs someone something but that only works in the New York times mindset when its an expenditure it doesn't like for whatever reason).
To put it in the language that has become so fashionable, your personal feelings about this matter and who you are, are not important, the important issue is the structures that the governments set up to define market behavior. While you may feel better as a person, your actions are likely contributing to the structural racism and classism you claim to so deplore. You have progressive opinions only to the point when they start working and if they do start working you abandon them.
Or to put in the much more brutal language of the past, you are representing your class interests and pretending to make a call to humanity.
A more honest approach may make people much more willing to accept that these costs should be carried and then determine by whom. As it is, perhaps you could tell us some more about how Harvard is really neato.
To put it in the language that has become so fashionable, your personal feelings about this matter and who you are, are not important, the important issue is the structures that the governments set up to define market behavior. While you may feel better as a person, your actions are likely contributing to the structural racism and classism you claim to so deplore. You have progressive opinions only to the point when they start working and if they do start working you abandon them.
Or to put in the much more brutal language of the past, you are representing your class interests and pretending to make a call to humanity.
A more honest approach may make people much more willing to accept that these costs should be carried and then determine by whom. As it is, perhaps you could tell us some more about how Harvard is really neato.
17
With their op ed piece today, this international trio of mayors express and embrace the positive realities of today's world. Each city is a world city, their economies, cultural life-lines and uplifting strength of generations, now and for the future, are rooted in people traversing cultures, countries, nightmares, international boundaries to bring their best.
10
I am all for culture and keeping an open mind, but the problem is with the lack of open mindless of immigrants from the ME. Because that is what we are talking about here.
The left say so: let's not judge all by the actions of a few. The problem with that is those so called few murder and maim. As for the rest, they view women as second class citizens.
The will of these politicians to force feed their liberal mantra has the opposite effect. Do you think that any normal human being cannot see that there is misery in the world? We also know that we are the ones who have to shoulder the burdens, economically and culturally, should we import the rest of the world. Because when will it be enough?
Look at Ms Hidalgo, and her disastrous policies in Paris. Look at the new mayor of London, what with his life vests in the middle of London. Again, that kind of action will have the opposite effect.
The left say so: let's not judge all by the actions of a few. The problem with that is those so called few murder and maim. As for the rest, they view women as second class citizens.
The will of these politicians to force feed their liberal mantra has the opposite effect. Do you think that any normal human being cannot see that there is misery in the world? We also know that we are the ones who have to shoulder the burdens, economically and culturally, should we import the rest of the world. Because when will it be enough?
Look at Ms Hidalgo, and her disastrous policies in Paris. Look at the new mayor of London, what with his life vests in the middle of London. Again, that kind of action will have the opposite effect.
13
There is only one candidate who agrees with this stance - Gary Johnson.
We need legal vetted immigrants that integrate with the rest of society. Not immigrants who despise what we stand for as a country, live off our entitlements and don't pay taxes. But de Blasio will call you an islamophobe for wanting standards for immigrants.
30
Virtually no one is against immigrants or immigration. The issue is legal entrants to this country vs. illegal. The vast majority of Americans welcome the diversity of those who enter the country legally.
I am a legal immigrant and a naturalized citizen. In the 33 years I have been in this country, never have I felt unwelcome.
I am a legal immigrant and a naturalized citizen. In the 33 years I have been in this country, never have I felt unwelcome.
21
The developed, westernized world is weary of egregious overpopulation.
The US and Europe shouldn't be compelled to destroy themselves because other nations refuse to embrace family planning. Too many people, period.
The US and Europe shouldn't be compelled to destroy themselves because other nations refuse to embrace family planning. Too many people, period.
36
Other nations? Family planning? In several states in the U.S. laws are being enacted to do everything possible to discourage family planning. Maternal deaths in America are on par with many third world countries. Start there first.
2
No argument that immigrants are the life blood of America. I'm the son of an immigrant. But those who seek to enter or stay illegally are parasites on that life blood. And any who seek to enter after just uttering the words "death to America" would be bad blood without a doubt.
24
The ones that enter illegally are the hardest working law abiding people. The parasites are born here and have a sense of entitlement.
2
@FT - umm, by definition the ones here illegally are not law abiding people...they broke the law to get here, and in living here, continue to break the law everyday.
9
What a ridiculous straw-man argument. No one is urging "xenophobia" or claiming that immigrants are not a source of greatness for this country. What Americans object to is our leaders' failure to enforce the immigration laws (to the detriment of lawful immigrants) which leads to a situation where we have no idea who is coming in. Rather than struggle with this important issue, the authors repeat sanctimonious bromides about "diversity." Maybe we should start calling progressives illegal-immigration "deniers."
80
"As the mayors of three great global cities — New York, Paris and London — we urge the world leaders assembling at the United Nations to take decisive action..."
You're a little short on details with that, but a long as whatever "decisive action" you urge the UN to do stays within the limits of your respective ant-hill cities, it's literally your problem. But, de Blasio, leave the rest of the US out of it.
And, Mme Hidalgo, it amazes me that after all the terrorist attacks in France, you're willing to expose your city to the risks of inviting in more terrorists. I strongly suspect that most Parisians disagree with you. And, Mr Khan, I think you missed one of the main points of the Brexit vote.
You're a little short on details with that, but a long as whatever "decisive action" you urge the UN to do stays within the limits of your respective ant-hill cities, it's literally your problem. But, de Blasio, leave the rest of the US out of it.
And, Mme Hidalgo, it amazes me that after all the terrorist attacks in France, you're willing to expose your city to the risks of inviting in more terrorists. I strongly suspect that most Parisians disagree with you. And, Mr Khan, I think you missed one of the main points of the Brexit vote.
30
Just a thought, but our citizens are still a strength. Many of them are already educated, familiar with the national customs and hey - looking for work. The companies looking to import people here just want cheap uneducated labor or possibly educated labor from places where people expect to be treated like dirt.
28
I grew up in a Texas ranching family and live in Austin, Texas. The values of New York City, London, and Paris are anathema to me. These mayors are my social, cultural, and political adversaries.
26
It makes me sad to see these two foreign leaders (Hidlgo Paris) Khan (of London) openly trying to influence our politics/election here in the United States.
What happened to this country?
What happened to this country?
30
Believing the U.S. is a sovereign nation is xenophobic and racist according to the authors.
9
Many of us seek explanations for when things go awry and are out of control. This is a natural instinct. But sometimes the quick tendency to judge or seek a solution when we feel the need to assign blame can be based on flawed assumptions or missing information; ergo, who and what are ripe now for the blame (all Immigrants- some-not all-of whom happen to be Muslims) and have become the sole perpetrators. Does this truly make us feel better and put us on the right path towards analyzing and determining a solution for the issues at hand?
6
100 percent of Islamic terrorism is committed by ______________
5
This headline will garner astonishment from the families of the three thousand 9-11 victims or the hundreds gunned down at the Paris massacres. And that's without mentioning Orlando, San Bernadino, Nice or the Boston Marathon in addition to countless other incidents. Immigrants are great for America as long as they become Americans, don't wave foreign flags and accept the separation of church and state. This continued ignorance of the aims of radical Islam will lead to a Trump presidency.
46
"We know policies that embrace diversity and promote inclusion are successful."
Where is your evidence for this? You take it as an axiom, but in fact the reverse would appear to be true: diversity and multiculturalism are abject disasters, forced on the West by politicians afraid of being called "racist" by the NYT editorial board.
Where is your evidence for this? You take it as an axiom, but in fact the reverse would appear to be true: diversity and multiculturalism are abject disasters, forced on the West by politicians afraid of being called "racist" by the NYT editorial board.
37
All of us now over-the-hill grandchildren of immigrants were multi-cultural before there was such an adjective. We kept our language, food, and music, and knew our history. We marched in our ethnic parades.
What we weren't is fragmented, demanding, and dysfunctional. Nor did we elevate our grandparents' places of birth above the United States.
Nor do I consider all of today's hardworking immigrants to be dysfunctional or disgruntled. Some are, obviously.
I do wonder, though, who stands to gain from such a limited, obtuse op-ed.
What we weren't is fragmented, demanding, and dysfunctional. Nor did we elevate our grandparents' places of birth above the United States.
Nor do I consider all of today's hardworking immigrants to be dysfunctional or disgruntled. Some are, obviously.
I do wonder, though, who stands to gain from such a limited, obtuse op-ed.
3
Interesting Op-Ed in view of the bombing in NY/NJ by an apparent Islamic Jihadist! Islam, especially Saudi Arabian Wahhabism is a threat throughout Western Civilization. Innocent citizens, very lucky in NY/NJ this time, are being routinely killed/wounded by an Islamic Trojan Horse in our midst and explained away by political correctness/cultural pluralism. How much more is going to be tolerated, absorbed, dead buried, wounded nursed, candles, flowers, signs laid at the unending sites of this murderous Islamic ideology? It appears the U.S. must adopt/implement the security measures of Israel if Americans are to have any sense of security in their communities. Perhaps, as in response to the anarchists of 1919 attacks, the U.S. should follow U.S. Attorney General Palmer's example and deport all Islamic extremists including their families, strip them of any U.S. citizenship and deny them entry into any Western Country. When is enough, enough?
29
This is all coming from a place of abundance. More will be given to you. This creativity in government and entrepreneurial encouragement is something we all need.
1
A long time ago we needed plenty of immigrants. We don't now. We haven't enough jobs for many of our citizens and cannot afford to take in more immigrants (legal or illegal) to further push wages lower.
In past generations, immigrants were our great strength. Now, it's very much a mixed bag. That's too bad, but that's the way it is.
In past generations, immigrants were our great strength. Now, it's very much a mixed bag. That's too bad, but that's the way it is.
31
Big cities are job engines which enthusiastically embrace newcomers. Put yourself in the shoes of an immigrant seeking gainful employment. Would you voluntarily move to a small town where work was scarce?
Seems like many of the fearful responses to this article come from parts of the country where jobs may be harder to come-by than in past times.
Orlando's (largest?) employer makes heavy use of workers from overseas, and has for decades. But ask yourself, is that lederhosen-clad guy in Epcot's Biergarten restaurant *really* competing with you for the type of work you're seeking?
Seems like many of the fearful responses to this article come from parts of the country where jobs may be harder to come-by than in past times.
Orlando's (largest?) employer makes heavy use of workers from overseas, and has for decades. But ask yourself, is that lederhosen-clad guy in Epcot's Biergarten restaurant *really* competing with you for the type of work you're seeking?
1
No, they are not competing with me, but they are competing against hard-working American citizens, who, through either fate or circumstance have not been as lucky as I.
8
As humans, you have to rescue others when in need. That makes us humans. Whether or not the refugees become terrorists depends on many things, especially for young children. "How can you vet a child?" That is the question Trump needs to answer.
2
The average native born citizen benefits from massive immigration, how?
United we are strong, divided we will fall. Non-assimilating immigrants drag us down and create problems with their unhappiness or whatever of being in their newly adopted nation. Voluntarily may I add. They don't want to change.
When, if ever, can we start taking care of our own at home before being the world's adoption agency for every poor or displaced person. There Mr. Mayors lays a problem. Where do we house all of these incoming, mostly large, extended families? Reality alert, there is NO housing available anymore. None. Zero. Zip. Ditto medical care, jobs, school space, elder/child care, on and on. Where can we go and immigrate to when life entirely sucks for us here? Canada? New Zealand? UK? I think not.
United we are strong, divided we will fall. Non-assimilating immigrants drag us down and create problems with their unhappiness or whatever of being in their newly adopted nation. Voluntarily may I add. They don't want to change.
When, if ever, can we start taking care of our own at home before being the world's adoption agency for every poor or displaced person. There Mr. Mayors lays a problem. Where do we house all of these incoming, mostly large, extended families? Reality alert, there is NO housing available anymore. None. Zero. Zip. Ditto medical care, jobs, school space, elder/child care, on and on. Where can we go and immigrate to when life entirely sucks for us here? Canada? New Zealand? UK? I think not.
29
For every one "lone wolf" terrorists, there are scores of immigrants and their American-born children, including from places like Trump's Germany and Putin's Russia, who have made the U.S. a better place.
What terrorizes me is how the U.S. Republican Party has abandoned the highest ideals of America en masse behind the Trump-Putin 2016: Make Russia Great Again Campaign.
What terrorizes me is how the U.S. Republican Party has abandoned the highest ideals of America en masse behind the Trump-Putin 2016: Make Russia Great Again Campaign.
4
How can we possibly screen for the dangers posed by the second generation? Because recently (Boston, Santa Barbara, and the Brussels airport bombers, etc.) the terrorists have been second generation. Rarely do I see this addressed by politicians, who blather on about "vetting" of refugees.
I do not support anything about Donald Trump, but I am tired of being treated as a naughty, ignorant child by Democrats, over my legitimate concerns about rampant illegal immigration and refugees with vastly different cultural practices.
For myself, the fear of terrorism is less visceral than my fear and anger about creeping misogyny, as we are advised to be tolerant of the distasteful culture the immigrants from Africa and the Middle East want to cling to, in their adopted homes. Seeing veiled women makes my blood boil. Please, no. Do not tell me to tolerate the intolerable; and in the name of liberalism no less!
I do not support anything about Donald Trump, but I am tired of being treated as a naughty, ignorant child by Democrats, over my legitimate concerns about rampant illegal immigration and refugees with vastly different cultural practices.
For myself, the fear of terrorism is less visceral than my fear and anger about creeping misogyny, as we are advised to be tolerant of the distasteful culture the immigrants from Africa and the Middle East want to cling to, in their adopted homes. Seeing veiled women makes my blood boil. Please, no. Do not tell me to tolerate the intolerable; and in the name of liberalism no less!
43
Great comment.
3
I have no doubts that immigration can help a city and a country. But we need legal immigration not illegal. I obey the law, pay my taxes, and live my life. I expect the same from immigrants. That means obeying the law - coming here legally.
29
Gosh, really?
Well said. This country has been built by immigrants, and kept 'young' by a constant flow of them; it made us who we are, a vibrant country with the most daring folks, willing to abandon their own homeland, and reach new goals and make a living by revolutionizing science and technology, music and the 'letters', a better world for everybody. Of course, we didn't know that, by admitting Donald's father, we would inherit a crooked lying bully, exploiting others for his own benefit, a demagogue now fanning fear and hate where unity is called for. I guess we take the good with the bad, in spite of the "extreme" vetting (read, no new immigrants, certainly not refugees) if Trump gets his way. All newcomers must be made welcome, and integrated in society by inclusion, not excluding them,as it may be invite for discontent and radicalization. Incidentally, the vetting must be an ongoing process, particularly for folks that travel to the Middle East and return, so changes are duly noted. A fine balance of personal freedom and public security remain a work in progress; but we ought not be cowed by fanatic extremists (religious or not), nor by charlatans infusing panic and hysteria in our midst.
2
How can immigrants take our jobs from us when they all need shelter, food, health care, education, transportation, amusement, pets, and all the other things that require manufacturing, building, growing, and tending?
Who among you really believe that immigrants are just going to take and not contribute? Who among you are this credulous? Or, perhaps, evil?
Who among you really believe that immigrants are just going to take and not contribute? Who among you are this credulous? Or, perhaps, evil?
4
The belief system that anyone who disagrees with liberal on immigration is evil is why Trump is wining. Most illegals earn very little and spend even less here.
8
>>Refugees and other foreign-born residents bring needed skills and enhance the vitality and growth of local economies, and their presence has long benefited our three cities.
Spoken without even acknowledging how few migrants were able to find jobs in Sweden and Germany. IF these mayors will get their news from sources other than liberal media, they will find that most migrants are under-qualified, have dubious education credentials and are poor in English, thus lacking communication skills.
These mayors can stand on a liberal pedestal as there cities are successful because of big companies. They are the major drivers of their cities' economy.
Can these mayors explain how will a Syrian man who had a western attire shop in Damascus contribute? How exactly is this reasonable that taxpaying citizens cannot buy residence withing their means in the city and instead of addressing those issues you are going to harbor refugees?
Spoken without even acknowledging how few migrants were able to find jobs in Sweden and Germany. IF these mayors will get their news from sources other than liberal media, they will find that most migrants are under-qualified, have dubious education credentials and are poor in English, thus lacking communication skills.
These mayors can stand on a liberal pedestal as there cities are successful because of big companies. They are the major drivers of their cities' economy.
Can these mayors explain how will a Syrian man who had a western attire shop in Damascus contribute? How exactly is this reasonable that taxpaying citizens cannot buy residence withing their means in the city and instead of addressing those issues you are going to harbor refugees?
35
It's very odd, to me, that a terrorist attack by immigrants stimulates a pro-immigrant message from politicians. It's as if they think that the only possible reaction to the situation is to lapse into jingoism.
One can be "pro-immigrant" and still support certain types of restrictions based on economic issues or national security.
One can be "pro-immigrant" and still support certain types of restrictions based on economic issues or national security.
59
[[ Khadijah Houston,TX
It's very odd, to me, that a terrorist attack by immigrants stimulates a pro-immigrant message from politicians.]]
Obviously, the article was written to coincide with the UN General Assembly and was merely edited to reflect recent events.
It's very odd, to me, that a terrorist attack by immigrants stimulates a pro-immigrant message from politicians.]]
Obviously, the article was written to coincide with the UN General Assembly and was merely edited to reflect recent events.
4
It's difficult to imagine an editorial more at odds with the wishes of its audience. Everyone over 50 knows what immigration has done to the United States. Yes, it's different. Is it better? Compare Zimbabwe to Rhodesia for the answer.
31
"To take decisive action to provide relief and safe haven to refugees fleeing conflict and migrants fleeing economic hardship, and to support those who are already doing this work."
Refugees fleeing conflict, fine, we should help them. But we don't owe ANYTHING to those in hard economic times. We have hard economic times here and we refuse to help our fellow Americans. De Blasio, in your New York along there are homeless people everywhere.
There needs to be a bright line between those in danger and those who just want to better themselves. Until that line can be defined and proper control put in place - keep them out.
Refugees fleeing conflict, fine, we should help them. But we don't owe ANYTHING to those in hard economic times. We have hard economic times here and we refuse to help our fellow Americans. De Blasio, in your New York along there are homeless people everywhere.
There needs to be a bright line between those in danger and those who just want to better themselves. Until that line can be defined and proper control put in place - keep them out.
32
The questions should be, which immigrants are our strengths? We need as many immigrants as we can bring into the country who help to build the country's strength. We don't need the one's who don't believe in the bill of rights, separation of church and state as well as the rule of law.
32
Sure, immigrants are our strength. That doesn't mean we HAVE to take them from Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen though.
There are about a billion people from other parts of the world who want to come to the US.
Immigration is a right, not a privilege. Let's be smart and choose the ones that for sure won't be terrorists.
Let's implement Trump's common sense and choose them from Africa, Latin America, South-east Asia. There's no need to take a chance with people from terrorist countries. As we saw in Nice, just one bad apple can kill 100 people with a simple truck.
There are about a billion people from other parts of the world who want to come to the US.
Immigration is a right, not a privilege. Let's be smart and choose the ones that for sure won't be terrorists.
Let's implement Trump's common sense and choose them from Africa, Latin America, South-east Asia. There's no need to take a chance with people from terrorist countries. As we saw in Nice, just one bad apple can kill 100 people with a simple truck.
28
Immigration is not a right.
6
@The cat in the hat - Typo. I meant the opposite.
2
The time for rhetoric like that in this opinion is past. Yes, it is "vanishingly rare" for immigrants from these countries to commit terrorism. But terrorism itself is also "vanishingly rare" but when it occurs has major implications and causes major disruptions. And when it does occur, a large percentage, probably well more than a majority of the time, the perpetrators are from the areas that this writer wants us to embrace. I say no. Look at the trouble that Europe is having assimilating these masses. What do we need that for? We have enough problems as it is without this self-inflicted wound. No more refugees or immigrants from terrorist states.
43
Oh well, we had planned a trip to New York for Thanksgiving. We're canceling this trip and won't return until De Blasio is out of office. What an unbridled idiot he is.
I would strongly prefer that my family not be blown up, or watch others be blown up, while eating at our favorite restaurants in lower Manhattan.
I would strongly prefer that my family not be blown up, or watch others be blown up, while eating at our favorite restaurants in lower Manhattan.
35
De Blasio is an idiot, yes, but New York City is more than just de Blasio.
Yesterday even before the loser from Afghanistan was caught, we New Yorkers were on our trains and buses, strolling our streets, and eating in our corner delis -- and coping with the mayhem of the United Nations and streets blocked in advance of motorcades. I saw no face looking in any way different.
We do all right.
Are you any more vulnerable or fragile than we are? If so, I guess Tennessee is indeed the place for you.
By the way, the United Nations should be moved to Washington D.C. That city does nothing but politics.
Here in New York, we work for our living.
Yesterday even before the loser from Afghanistan was caught, we New Yorkers were on our trains and buses, strolling our streets, and eating in our corner delis -- and coping with the mayhem of the United Nations and streets blocked in advance of motorcades. I saw no face looking in any way different.
We do all right.
Are you any more vulnerable or fragile than we are? If so, I guess Tennessee is indeed the place for you.
By the way, the United Nations should be moved to Washington D.C. That city does nothing but politics.
Here in New York, we work for our living.
4
The headline is partially right. Underneath it should have read "Our illegal Immigrants, Our certain doom". These refugees aren't immigrants, they are invaders. There is an end to our generosity. You will see this at the ballot box this year.
39
Reading some of these comments is disheartening because they reveal the level of anger and disrespect for others that has now become all too common and acceptable within certain circles. By highlighting and replaying inappropriate and antisocial tirades by some candidates for office, the media is a major factor in why such comments as we read here are not considered as hateful and un-American as they should be. It is a sorry state when incivility in our discussions has become the norm, and even a source of pride, for some of our citizens and even our fellow NY Times readers.
2
Used to be that immigrants, like myself, were "economic refugees" seeking a better life in exchange for our skills and willingness to work. Now that certain areas of the world, particularly in the ME, have been made unlivable due to wars and instability created mainly due to Western policies, we have torrents of refugees who are fleeing for their lives. The lesson to be learned from this is obvious...
1
I think the three mayors need to go home and convince their constituents to adopt a welcoming and collaborative spirit.
4
Correct Headline: Our LEGAL Immigrants, Our Strength
Indeed, the immigrants that respected our laws and our institutions, and paid their dues, including my great-grandparents are part of what made America.
There is nothing in controlling immigration and being a nation of laws that is inherently evil.
Indeed, the immigrants that respected our laws and our institutions, and paid their dues, including my great-grandparents are part of what made America.
There is nothing in controlling immigration and being a nation of laws that is inherently evil.
26
When you use the term "vanishingly rare" -- what does that mean? What stats do you have to back that very vague statement up and who complied those stats?
From my perspective it seems that rather than becoming vanishingly rare, terrorist attacks are becoming more common place here in the US and in western Europe. That is -- attacks by radical Islamic jihadis.
Amd when you say "we know policies that embrace diversity and promote inclusion are successful" what does that mean? What research supports that very strongly worded conclusion -- and what were the criteria for success.
It seems your writing style is as loose as your thinking. In fact, it is generally poor thinking that leads to poor writing. So what you have delivered here is more progressive propaganda that will sway no one outside your echo chamber.
Oh, and Bill -- next time -- why don't you not announce what something isn't before you get the facts.
From my perspective it seems that rather than becoming vanishingly rare, terrorist attacks are becoming more common place here in the US and in western Europe. That is -- attacks by radical Islamic jihadis.
Amd when you say "we know policies that embrace diversity and promote inclusion are successful" what does that mean? What research supports that very strongly worded conclusion -- and what were the criteria for success.
It seems your writing style is as loose as your thinking. In fact, it is generally poor thinking that leads to poor writing. So what you have delivered here is more progressive propaganda that will sway no one outside your echo chamber.
Oh, and Bill -- next time -- why don't you not announce what something isn't before you get the facts.
36
Our Immigrants, Our Strength
Well, sure, if the people intending to immigrate do so lawfully, and they and their community work to assimilate into our culture. But if they isolate themselves in ethnic enclaves (e.g., Brighton Beach, East LA), then they weaken America.
Well, sure, if the people intending to immigrate do so lawfully, and they and their community work to assimilate into our culture. But if they isolate themselves in ethnic enclaves (e.g., Brighton Beach, East LA), then they weaken America.
31
What do you know about Brighton? It's no more isolated than Astoria was for the Greeks or Cobble Hill for the Italians.
Listen to the Russian mothers speaking English to their children and quizzing them on math problems, or taking them to the water's edge at night to see a pumpkin-hued moon rising over Manhattan Beach, and perhaps you'll be happier about our little Odessa.
Listen to the Russian mothers speaking English to their children and quizzing them on math problems, or taking them to the water's edge at night to see a pumpkin-hued moon rising over Manhattan Beach, and perhaps you'll be happier about our little Odessa.
Change is good . New people bring new ideas and vibrancy.
We cannot close the border nor build a builder wall. We cannot turn ourselves off to humanity and think all of our problems are magically going to go away. We cannot think that the less there are of them that the more jobs there will be for us.
We need to work together, come together and the strive to be the best. We need to find a new way where everyone has am equal chance. We need to make a better tomorrow for our children and our grandchildren. We are only as good as how we treat the lowest of society.
These words have no meaning unless they are applicable to all.
We cannot close the border nor build a builder wall. We cannot turn ourselves off to humanity and think all of our problems are magically going to go away. We cannot think that the less there are of them that the more jobs there will be for us.
We need to work together, come together and the strive to be the best. We need to find a new way where everyone has am equal chance. We need to make a better tomorrow for our children and our grandchildren. We are only as good as how we treat the lowest of society.
These words have no meaning unless they are applicable to all.
2
Nice idea. Now go and convince the muslims of that and we will be on the right track.
11
99% of the population have no issues with immigration as long as it is done in a legal manner and the new comers participate in the assimilation process, just like their predecessors. There is no monolithic "American" culture, but there is a common bond around the Flag and the Freedom that it stands for. It is not in question that our people in the US make us strong, vibrant and sustainable. But, sadly, that is not what this Op Ed is about.
This tripe is about the politics of division that the progressive democrat has been practicing since the early 1980's. Whenever things look bad in the polls, it's all about division, fear and scapegoating.
Bill de Blasio doesn't have an original idea in his head and this nonsense is no different. He's a one termer. Like our POTUS, you have actively participated in the weakening of the rule of law in our city, state and country. And you've done it in the name of votes. Spend a little less time worrying about what is printed in the NYT and little more time addressing the homeless population in NYC Mr. de Blasio.....you know, this is what you were elected to do.
And do us all a favor, Just leave the key under the mat on your way out.
This tripe is about the politics of division that the progressive democrat has been practicing since the early 1980's. Whenever things look bad in the polls, it's all about division, fear and scapegoating.
Bill de Blasio doesn't have an original idea in his head and this nonsense is no different. He's a one termer. Like our POTUS, you have actively participated in the weakening of the rule of law in our city, state and country. And you've done it in the name of votes. Spend a little less time worrying about what is printed in the NYT and little more time addressing the homeless population in NYC Mr. de Blasio.....you know, this is what you were elected to do.
And do us all a favor, Just leave the key under the mat on your way out.
45
One should be careful to judge the immigrants too quickly. The recent event, which everyone has heard about will, i fear, create a new wave of Islamophobia in America. The country which prides itself upon it's cultural diversity.
To say that Muslims, or immigrants in general, are savages, or primitive beings, is highly unscrupulous, and is in many ways an oversimplification of a very complex problem. The fact is that we can not judge people based on where they were born. If you or I were born into a very strict Muslim country, we would obviously also hold the same convictions as these people. This is why we of course can not just let everyone get in, we must be better at assimilating people into western society, and this can definitely not happen when the west is hostile towards Muslims. In fact, i have the belief that it is in many ways the Islamophobic tendencies of the west that creates many of the radical terrorists we see today.
In order for Muslims to assimilate into American society, Americans need to learn that when they see a terrorist on television, this does not account for the majority of Muslims. We also need an understanding amongst Muslims that they need to follow the laws of the country which they live in.
I see a lot of people here who are very quick to judge a majority instead of the individual people. This is dangerous, and it is the same mindset which lead to the extermination of millions of Jews in world war 2.
To say that Muslims, or immigrants in general, are savages, or primitive beings, is highly unscrupulous, and is in many ways an oversimplification of a very complex problem. The fact is that we can not judge people based on where they were born. If you or I were born into a very strict Muslim country, we would obviously also hold the same convictions as these people. This is why we of course can not just let everyone get in, we must be better at assimilating people into western society, and this can definitely not happen when the west is hostile towards Muslims. In fact, i have the belief that it is in many ways the Islamophobic tendencies of the west that creates many of the radical terrorists we see today.
In order for Muslims to assimilate into American society, Americans need to learn that when they see a terrorist on television, this does not account for the majority of Muslims. We also need an understanding amongst Muslims that they need to follow the laws of the country which they live in.
I see a lot of people here who are very quick to judge a majority instead of the individual people. This is dangerous, and it is the same mindset which lead to the extermination of millions of Jews in world war 2.
18
I don't care why they hold the beliefs they do. And by your logic, you can't judge the Americans who dislike Islam -- after all, this is what they were taught here! What you fail to address is the radical nature of Islamic society in Europe has made public Jewish life a near-impossibility.
10
No I do not need to assimilate to immigrants! They need to assimilate to our culture. It they don't want to that is fine then they should return whence they came. Immigrants of old came for a new way of life. They tried and were successful in shedding their old ways and grasped the need for tolerance and respect for women and others. No one reads the first part of the poem regarding the tired and huddle masses. The poem makes it clear that old world pomp must be left in the old world! Bringing your male oriented anti non believer baggage so is unacceptable.
7
"In fact, i have the belief that it is in many ways the Islamophobic tendencies of the west that creates many of the radical terrorists we see today."
It is normal human behavior to think that your group is better than all others. Western culture thinks it was better than Islamic culture and vice versa. Before 9-11, the West had actually started to open more to Islam by giving student visas, green cards and a path to citizenship to many more Muslims. Perhaps this and other openings to the Islamic World was too much for many Muslims to handle.
Osama bin laden despised what he referred to as “modernity”. The tribal culture in which the head man rules his clan, enforcing Sharia law is far removed from western life. The Saudis changed from a tribal culture in just a generation or two. For many, the change came too quickly. Bin laden represents the Saudi and other Muslims who hate having been quickly pulled out of their way of life. And he represents the Afghans and other Muslims who mostly continue their traditional ways, and fear change.
They might tell themselves that the West hates them, and they are fighting to protect the honor of Islam, but the reality is that modernity is coming too quickly for them. They are lashing out at us in a vain attempt to control their fate. They miss the old ways, and do not want to lose any more of their traditions.
It is normal human behavior to think that your group is better than all others. Western culture thinks it was better than Islamic culture and vice versa. Before 9-11, the West had actually started to open more to Islam by giving student visas, green cards and a path to citizenship to many more Muslims. Perhaps this and other openings to the Islamic World was too much for many Muslims to handle.
Osama bin laden despised what he referred to as “modernity”. The tribal culture in which the head man rules his clan, enforcing Sharia law is far removed from western life. The Saudis changed from a tribal culture in just a generation or two. For many, the change came too quickly. Bin laden represents the Saudi and other Muslims who hate having been quickly pulled out of their way of life. And he represents the Afghans and other Muslims who mostly continue their traditional ways, and fear change.
They might tell themselves that the West hates them, and they are fighting to protect the honor of Islam, but the reality is that modernity is coming too quickly for them. They are lashing out at us in a vain attempt to control their fate. They miss the old ways, and do not want to lose any more of their traditions.
1
Not all immigrants are equally suited for our open, tolerant, democratically oriented society. In particular, followers of Islam (distinct from nominal Muslims), are a direct threat to our society. Already, Paris and London have enacted strict "hate speech laws," which are largely used to suppress criticism of Islam. But let's be clear about this: Millions of citizens, all over the world, reject the totalitarian teachings of Islam, because they quite rightly recognize that Islam seeks to destroy every freedom, and most particularly, freedom of speech. Such aversion is rational, and actually patriotic--not "Islamaphobic," as no doubt the three stooge mayors referenced in this PC piece would have it.
At present, it is too late for Paris and London, but New Yorkers should be vigilant. Do not accept ANY curtailment of your First Amendment rights! And have no doubt, as the Islamic presence in the US increases, there WILL be a concerted effort to force all of us to treat Islam with respect. Don't buy it! It's the first step to the loss of the freedoms we still enjoy in the US.
At present, it is too late for Paris and London, but New Yorkers should be vigilant. Do not accept ANY curtailment of your First Amendment rights! And have no doubt, as the Islamic presence in the US increases, there WILL be a concerted effort to force all of us to treat Islam with respect. Don't buy it! It's the first step to the loss of the freedoms we still enjoy in the US.
60
Ridiculous. We already have 50 to 60 million people living in poverty. What about them?
56
"..militant violence is vanishingly rare.."
Say what? I understand what the authors are trying to convey, but to say that only results in normal people thinking that the authors are outright lying or completely clueless or both.
Say what? I understand what the authors are trying to convey, but to say that only results in normal people thinking that the authors are outright lying or completely clueless or both.
48
If violence were vanishing, that would be a good thing. It is not vanishing. It is not even rare, as far as I'm concerned. It is an expected part of life, along with movie theaters shootings, school shootings and cops treating blacks badly. How the left can freak out about cops gone bad, but not Muslims gone bad, and the right vice versa, is beyond me.
7
Many Americans have never known a single Muslim. This is particularly true in the South and Rust Belt. The only time they see them, or hear their names is in association with terror. That's why 'ban all Muslims' has traction. When Muslims get their attention it's only ever as menacing fanatics.
6
Hey Fletch - you gotta get out more. Muslims are everyplace in America and doing just fine.
3
Feh. I live in the midwest, in a city, but in the midwest. My pharmacist is Muslim. My kids played soccer with Muslim kids. And, yes, they are fine, if you think of their head scarves as just weird dress like the Amish carpenters' clothing. But I'm pretty sure the kids of the Amish carpenters, if they go bad, they cuss a bit and date outside their religion, but if the kids of the Muslims go bad, they'll take lives.
7
People have emigrated to other countries for a variety of reasons. Some are economic, some are religious, a mixture of both, and some happened because one person wanted an adventure. We are citizens of whatever country we live in because an ancestor came there, put down roots and decided to stay. And some of them did it illegally even though we are legal citizens now. We learn from immigrants. We learn about their cultures, their family life, their ideals. It's not a one way street with them taking away our jobs. They bring in a view of America that we don't have and often they change America into a better place for all of us.
7
Can you please tell me how my son and daughter seeing a woman in a full naqib walking five feet behind her Western-dressed husband in our American city is making this country a better place?
22
Thank you! Well done! Courageous elected leaders with the moral compass to help those most in need. We look back on the WWII era refugee crisis with 20/20 hindsight and wish we did more to overturn the xenophobic responses of people and great Nations. We have the opportunity to learn from the past and not repeat those heart wrenching mistakes by turning people away. This is not about open borders, but about the community of Nations organizing to lend a hand. We can be secure and be charitable.
18
This article is sweet but no cigar. It shows empathy with an undercurrent of the "White Man's" superiority (De Blasio). Immigrants without proper education, limited English, who are poor, especially when following strict Muslim religions, are isolated and lonely here in the US throughout the rest of their lives. Their kids when growing up are trying hard to fully integrate but then suddenly are torn by the conflicts between their past and future. It will take at least two generations to become an American.
17
Thank you.
2
If I am correct a common thread in radicalization is not immigration TO the new country, but rather, a trip BACK to the nation of origin. I would dare to suggest that radicalization might be similar to drug addiction: thugs just waiting to recruit someone young, impressionable, and inexperienced. Once "hooked", the "radicalized" exhibit similar behaviors to the addict, such as secrecy, lying to family, and "trips to see friends". Third and fourth generation Americans can and have been radicalized (remember Oklahoma City?) so where are the commonalities between radicalization and addiction? Rather than blame one group, or leave the starving, literally dying to become Americans in refugee camps, the problem should be analyzed, and re framed. A concrete wall would never work for the drug addiction, nor will it work for radicalization. If a doctor makes the wrong diagnosis, can the patient get better?
1
Good point. Immigrants of old spent everything they had to get here on ships that took an age to cross the ocean. There was no return to visit Granny on the auld sod ever again.
4
I find the vitriol expressed in some of these comments quite distressing. Why such animosity towards certain immigrants? Most Muslims that come to the US respect the laws, do learn to speak English (if they didn't already) and are even more upset about terrorist acts than other citizens since it reflects on them. We need their help to find terrorists in their midst.
Those who come from South of the border, legal or illegal, work hard and many are here because they believe this country opens more opportunities for their children than the country they came for. They are in no way diminishing this country. The belief that they are exploiting benefits at the expense of others is not borne by any in depth studies and is based mostly on prejudice. And I find it particularly lacking in humanity to refuse to help refugees whether by accepting some here or by providing aid abroad. The US with 10 times the population of Canada accepts fewer refugees from Syria. The number of terrorist incidents in Canada is less than in the US. A few deranged individuals commit some horrific acts (none of them refugees) and people are ready to follow Trump's siren song that by waving a magic wand and keeping Muslims out of the US he will make deranged individuals vanish. All we will get by electing Trump as President is a deranged individual in the White House.
Those who come from South of the border, legal or illegal, work hard and many are here because they believe this country opens more opportunities for their children than the country they came for. They are in no way diminishing this country. The belief that they are exploiting benefits at the expense of others is not borne by any in depth studies and is based mostly on prejudice. And I find it particularly lacking in humanity to refuse to help refugees whether by accepting some here or by providing aid abroad. The US with 10 times the population of Canada accepts fewer refugees from Syria. The number of terrorist incidents in Canada is less than in the US. A few deranged individuals commit some horrific acts (none of them refugees) and people are ready to follow Trump's siren song that by waving a magic wand and keeping Muslims out of the US he will make deranged individuals vanish. All we will get by electing Trump as President is a deranged individual in the White House.
7
Perhaps if the people here felt the government cared about them in the slightest, they might feel free to have more compassion for others. But the government wants big business to have all the illegal immigrants and H1Bs its heart desires, and tough luck for regular citizens, hence the lack of compassion.
6
There are different kinds of immigrants. Unfortunately, many people who come from war-torn countries or those where violence, discrimination, and corruption are accepted as normal parts of life do not adapt well.
What puzzles me is, why are we keeping people we don't want and don't need? Known criminals whose home country refuses to take them back, people who get citizenship under false pretenses, people who abuse our welfare safety nets and ignore our laws ... get rid of them, and you'll find that there is more compassion for people who want to become true Americans.
What puzzles me is, why are we keeping people we don't want and don't need? Known criminals whose home country refuses to take them back, people who get citizenship under false pretenses, people who abuse our welfare safety nets and ignore our laws ... get rid of them, and you'll find that there is more compassion for people who want to become true Americans.
42
I am frankly shocked by the majority of comments below. I would have thought the left-leaning readers of the NYT would be more compassionate. How sad to see xenophobia creeping into the minds of people from whom I would have expected better. And, excuse me, but we are all immigrants.
5
"we are all immigrants"
No, we're not. My ancestors have been on this island for thousands of years.
No, we're not. My ancestors have been on this island for thousands of years.
20
The United States has very high levels of homelessness, drug addiction and incarceration rates among developed nations.
We are also experiencing contracting employment opportunities for citizens, yet our political classes cannot seem to focus on anything other than increasing immigration levels.
We are also experiencing contracting employment opportunities for citizens, yet our political classes cannot seem to focus on anything other than increasing immigration levels.
10
Compassion does not mean forcing us to accept foreign nationals who have no desire to become Americans and little respect for this country. And I'm not an immigrant. I was born here and I should have a say in how my society looks. Not any given foreigner.
7
Once again the NYT blurs the line the line between legal and illegal immigration.Legal immigrants pay taxes,start businesses and revitalize neighborhoods,illegal immigrants drain resources,overcrowd and further strain already overburdened school and healthcare systems,and in some cases commit crimes.These three uber progressive mayors can whistle all the happy tunes they want while they have the seemingly unlimited resources of the beleaguered taxpayers.The money for these mayors utopian dreams and the patience of the citizenry won't last forever.
52
Laurels to the Three Mayors of London, New York and Paris. Sadiq Khan, Bill de Blasio and Anne Hidalgo, descendants of immigrants,for their wonderful piece on refugees and migrants looking for a better life for themselves and their loved ones. The UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants, meeting this week at the United Nations in New York City, would do well to provide more aid to the Middle Eastern countries overwhelmed by the tides of refugees and immigrants from the never-ending civil war in Syria and the still ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, initiated by our President George W. Bush and his cabal of slam-dunk, walk in the park hawks. Asylum-seeking peoples washed up on the shores of America, England and Europe need more than ID cards to welcome them and include them in their melting-pot citizenry. President Obama's legacy will be burnished by his appearance at the UN, to reaffirm America's watershed moment for the refugees from Central America, from the Middle East and from Africa who are praying to start new lives for themselves and their children, their descendants, far from the sorrow, the losses and desecrations by war of their home countries. How fine of the Three Mayors to welcome the migrants to their cities! Indeed, their op-ed column's title says it all: "Our Immigrants, Our Strength".
3
Theodore Roosevelt’s ideas on immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.
“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American…There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language… and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”
My grandfather came to this country in the early 1900's. He always referred to Italy as the "Old Country". Today's immigrants refer to their place of birth as "My Country"!
“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American…There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language… and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”
My grandfather came to this country in the early 1900's. He always referred to Italy as the "Old Country". Today's immigrants refer to their place of birth as "My Country"!
59
When are today's politicians going to understand that regular people could afford to have more compassion if the politicians themselves were more vigilant in enforcing the laws?
4
The argument is not to halt all immigration; it may be to modify it.
5
People are really living in two different worlds. There is reality and there is fantasy and this New York mayor is definitely living in the latter. You are dangerously delusional mayor to the point if I was in New York I would support your impeachment. That you would write something this ridiculously out of touch the day after a madman tried to bomb your citizens means you are not fit to govern in the real world.
44
no one doubt's de blasio's intentions. it is his fear of words, his constant tripping over ideology in lieu of leadership, that leaves his city the worse for his tenure. please don't lecture us on the benefits of immigration. everybody understands this is a nation of immigrants. everybody. what we don't understand is your refusal to call a very small and very dangerous segment of that population what they are. you're more worried about your critique in progressive circles than you are the safety of your citizens.
24
Enough with propaganda, please. Mayor de Blasio, please take a look outside of your window and deal with the 'refugees' from domestic violence, lack of affordable child care, broken homes, corporate downsizing .... before you lecture us on the need to welcome even more refugees. We have plenty with woefully unmet needs. Why would we accept even more without the resources or ability to serve the ones already here?
64
President Obama put perfectly last week in Philadelphia when he pointed that unless we're Native Americans we're all descended from immigrants;me,on one side my family from immigrants who in the mid 19th century came to escape famine in their native land of Ireland.These Irish refugees were just as unwelcome by Americans already here as the current Syrian refugees are by Trump and his supporters.And just that unwelcoming attitude is due to Islamiphobia,my Irish ancesters were victims of what can be called Cathlicphobia.And I,being 69 experienced that hostility towards Catholics by a segment of other Americans all the way into my teens.A graphic example being the 1960 Presidential campaign when I was told to my face,by people who knew I was Catholic,that John Kennedy wasn't qualified to be President for the sole reason that he was Catholic.
I need to give no other reason than above-although there are a multitude of others-why I oppose Trump ,and his unAmerican call for Muslim profiling and religious testing based on people being Muslims or not,but looking like they are.
I need to give no other reason than above-although there are a multitude of others-why I oppose Trump ,and his unAmerican call for Muslim profiling and religious testing based on people being Muslims or not,but looking like they are.
4
Europe is not America. Here, the majority ARE the native people, and many of us are increasingly unhappy about being told we are racist for wanting our cultures to remain dominant in their homelands. Native people are already a minority in many of our larger cities--including London--and the fact that the mayor of London has to peddle this message is a sign of how badly things are going.
17
If it's un-American then why is it already federal law?
U.S. Code § 1182 (Inadmissible Aliens) states: “Whenever the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.”
U.S. Code § 1182 (Inadmissible Aliens) states: “Whenever the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.”
8
Ahmad Rhami gave police the biggest tip of all. I hope the media stress that an immigrant called police and helped stop the bomber.
6
Well, it depends doesn't it on who the newcomers are. Newcomers like Rahami we certainly don't need.
16
What happened to our passion to help people when they are in need? Isnt this part of our values? Isnt this part of what Chritinaity teaches to love all unconditionally? Are we so coward to bow down to terrorists and forget our tradition which to help people in need? Fear and cowardice, this is exactly what Terrorists want. If we dont take care of these refugees and address the root cause(which is to help nations suffering from terrorism), we are simply enabling ISIS and its followers. This is what they want! They want us to leave our values behind and turn a blind eye! That is inhumane and UNAMERICAN!! We should never ever bow down to terrorists and show cowardice! Lets show our strength and resolve. Lets show how we are different, lets show why our country is the best among best! Lets show love!! Lets prove America is always has been great and will ever remain greatest! God bless USA!!
3
Um, as far as I know, Einstein WAS an immigrant, and he was not an "undocumented" immigrant. There is no record of Einstein making bombs with pressure cookers.
You three want others to think hard about the situation. How about doing a little thinking yourselves?
You three want others to think hard about the situation. How about doing a little thinking yourselves?
30
I will just say three things:
a) I am offended by the constant conflation of legal and illegal immigration,
b) As long as liberals insist on using dishonest language they are not going to be able to make much of a case that even illegal immigrants should be treated humanely.
c) Ivana Trump, the ex-wife, said something which rings true to me. Mexicans are good people and many of them have made contributions to American society. But they need to APPLY for immigration JUST like the Chinese, the Indians, the Bangladeshis, and Ethiopians. EQUAL treatment for all.
a) I am offended by the constant conflation of legal and illegal immigration,
b) As long as liberals insist on using dishonest language they are not going to be able to make much of a case that even illegal immigrants should be treated humanely.
c) Ivana Trump, the ex-wife, said something which rings true to me. Mexicans are good people and many of them have made contributions to American society. But they need to APPLY for immigration JUST like the Chinese, the Indians, the Bangladeshis, and Ethiopians. EQUAL treatment for all.
62
Illegal immigrants are NOT our strength-legal immigrants are IF, in this dangerous time, they are well vetted. let's be real and not have our heads in the sand. The malcreant who set the bombs last weekend was a legam immigrant.
25
Messrs. Mayors:
What don't you understand about illegal?
What don't you understand about illegal?
52
How's all that inclusion working out in Europe? I have relatives in france and believe me, They have nothing but complaints about how the arab population does nothing but stay in their own little corners of france and paris and REFUSE to embrace anything but their OWN culture. Its not the west not trying, its THEM!
59
Yep. I'm from Belgium and have an apartment still in one of the neighborhoods that now has become primarily inhabited by Muslims and there are cafes I am not allowed into because I'm a woman nor can I safely walk the streets at night. I can't take public transportation home, need to take a taxi and need to ask the taxi driver to wait until I"m inside the apartment building. On top of that, most of the taxi drivers are now muslims feeling no shame in ranting how they feel put upon by the population since it's a very trendy sentiment lately, making even the taxi ride home very uncomfortable for a white blond woman like me. This was a neighborhood that was on the upswing and very hip 15 years ago. No one is looking at the reality of what happens. These are not people interested in integrating but imposing their culture on us instead. And that culture is not compatible with progress or liberty, it is as backward because of that religion as it gets, and we keep holding on to this utopia of how "beautiful" it all will be.
10
Answer...it is NOT working out. "Refugee" is a hoax, a sick joke being foisted off on EU citizens. Most of this article is feel-good rubbish. I can point out that Hidalgos had to set up a refugee center in France because thousands of ILLEGAL migrants from Afghanistan, Africa, etc. have ignored French hospitality and international law by refusing to go to registration centers set up for them in France and register as asylum seekers. Instead, these parasites seem to think it is within their rights to set up tent cities on any Parisian streetcorner they fancy. At the moment, France does not seem to have the laws needed to deport these people immediately--or Hollande does not have the guts or competence. The most the average French person can do is hope the Marine LePen will put an end to this stupidity. The western world had better take some time and REALLY define what a "refugee" is, as the current definition is from 1946. And these smugglers, criminals know it. Hundreds of thousands have walked--are walking--into Europe taking advantage of these EU countries not being able (or willing) to define this within the idiotic EU structures. The only persons in Europe who can rightfully claim to be a "refugee" is someone who has been displaced from fighting in Syria. All the rest of these people are illegal, unwelcome, economic migrants. The west owes them nothing.
9
My mother's parents were immigrants. My wife is an immigrant. All of us are not that far from immigrants.
However, the vitality of NYC in the early 20th Century did not come from its Italian immigrants. The vitality of the mid 19th Century did not come from its Irish immigrants. They were a useful underclass that grew over time, but they were not then the core of vitality.
Immigrants contribute over the longer term to vitality. In the short term, even the well educated are relegated mostly to cheap labor.
Of course, we should be investing in doing that labor here, not investing in doing it on the other side of the world then paying to ship it back.
Oddly, those who champion world trade in labor arbitrage and capital flows without taxes or regulation also champion immigration. Those who oppose one oppose both. They are actually opposite solutions. One does things here as an integral part of our market, one does things overseas to exploit our market and export the profits.
We need immigrants, and we need to keep here the work they could do. If it costs more that way, good, that readjusts the balance in our economy that is now weighted too far to the wealthy few; it would replace welfare with jobs.
However, the vitality of NYC in the early 20th Century did not come from its Italian immigrants. The vitality of the mid 19th Century did not come from its Irish immigrants. They were a useful underclass that grew over time, but they were not then the core of vitality.
Immigrants contribute over the longer term to vitality. In the short term, even the well educated are relegated mostly to cheap labor.
Of course, we should be investing in doing that labor here, not investing in doing it on the other side of the world then paying to ship it back.
Oddly, those who champion world trade in labor arbitrage and capital flows without taxes or regulation also champion immigration. Those who oppose one oppose both. They are actually opposite solutions. One does things here as an integral part of our market, one does things overseas to exploit our market and export the profits.
We need immigrants, and we need to keep here the work they could do. If it costs more that way, good, that readjusts the balance in our economy that is now weighted too far to the wealthy few; it would replace welfare with jobs.
5
I applaud the author of this article. What I don't understand is why we, along with France, Great Britain and Russia continue to export arms and training, support rebels and insurgency that has contributed and in many cases created the overwhelming refugee crisis we are facing.
We all want a sense of justice against the perpetrators of these criminal acts. By seeking mass revenge we have created a refugee crisis that threatens liberal democracy in both Europe and the US.
Military power is an awful way to seek justice. The unintended consequences are rarely thought about until after the fact.
We all want a sense of justice against the perpetrators of these criminal acts. By seeking mass revenge we have created a refugee crisis that threatens liberal democracy in both Europe and the US.
Military power is an awful way to seek justice. The unintended consequences are rarely thought about until after the fact.
14
Stricter vetting and more scrutiny of Muslim immigrants is perfectly justified considering the frequent and ongoing effort by radical Islamists to harm innocent people. The United States has, does, and will continue to welcome more legal immigrants than most any other nation on the planet. But that does not mean accepting those who have ignored immigration law. Nor does it mean those who do not support immigration reform, which is effectively amnesty for those who ignored immigration law, makes one a xenophobe.
55
You are clueless, Eddie Brown, as how how immigrants are already "vetted."
In order to stop a person like Mr. Khan, we would have to pass a law that allowed the government to restrict EVERY U.S. citizen's right to travel abroad, a law that is probably unconstitutional.
We might as well abandon the U.S. Constitution and because a corrupt, mafia-run corporate police state like Putin's Russia.
In order to stop a person like Mr. Khan, we would have to pass a law that allowed the government to restrict EVERY U.S. citizen's right to travel abroad, a law that is probably unconstitutional.
We might as well abandon the U.S. Constitution and because a corrupt, mafia-run corporate police state like Putin's Russia.
1
Jon,
U.S. Code § 1182 (Inadmissible Aliens) already states: “Whenever the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.”
U.S. Code § 1182 (Inadmissible Aliens) already states: “Whenever the president finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.”
5
Yes and no. First it should be pointed out hat New York, London, and Paris really aren't great places for immigrants, simply because they're much too expensive. They are better off coming to cities like Houston, where the cost of living is much more reasonable.
.
Second, mass immigration DOES have negatives. When Hurricane Katrina slammed New Orleans, Houston opened its arms to evacuees. The city had about 2 million people, and almost overnight it got 200,000 more. This was the right thing to do. Houston will forever be known to some as "The Big Heart." But such a rapid influx of people caused some schools to be overburdened, and created spikes in the crime rate in certain areas. And the evacuees from New Orleans weren't refugees: there were no language, cultural, or bureaucratic barriers to also overcome. Those would add further strain on local resources.
.
I urge mayors of big cities to come clean about immigration and refugees. We absolutely should welcome as many refugees as we can, and Houston's acceptance of evacuees from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina shows just what can be done. But we can only get there if people have the sense that local leaders are working to mitigate the downside of it.
.
Second, mass immigration DOES have negatives. When Hurricane Katrina slammed New Orleans, Houston opened its arms to evacuees. The city had about 2 million people, and almost overnight it got 200,000 more. This was the right thing to do. Houston will forever be known to some as "The Big Heart." But such a rapid influx of people caused some schools to be overburdened, and created spikes in the crime rate in certain areas. And the evacuees from New Orleans weren't refugees: there were no language, cultural, or bureaucratic barriers to also overcome. Those would add further strain on local resources.
.
I urge mayors of big cities to come clean about immigration and refugees. We absolutely should welcome as many refugees as we can, and Houston's acceptance of evacuees from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina shows just what can be done. But we can only get there if people have the sense that local leaders are working to mitigate the downside of it.
19
I'm sure the families of the remembrance project, the displaced minority construction workers, the displaced IT workers (due to H1Bs), and the crushingly taxed/increasingly insecure middle class worker paying ever greater percentages of their income towards welfare/benefits for illegals and legal immigrants are all thrilled to help political and corporate eliteslike the writers of this propaganda increase their profits under the ludicrous fig leaf of multiculturalism and diversity.
The civil uprising is coming, people - mark my words.
http://www.theremembranceproject.org
The civil uprising is coming, people - mark my words.
http://www.theremembranceproject.org
62
And the divide and conquer modus operandi continues. Let me translate. We, the ruling class, know causing social unrest leads to the inability to unite, thereby leading to the fragmentation necessary to the continue the subjugation of the proles. All while the ruling class enjoy the good life.
45
Immigrants have made this the greatest country in the History of Mankind.I believe they should be welcome with open arms, but those arms must tighten when they come from Jihadist environments. Am I being a hypocrite ,I don't believe I am. What I am is a loving parent that fear for our family that live & work in the Metropolitan area. Everything is secondary to the welfare of my family.There is no proper vetting of one who has hatred for our country.Only the shadow knew what evil lurks in the heart of men & women. Therefore, until there is a foolproof method of discerning friend from foe, we must contain them until we are 100% sure they will make good productive citizens.I hate to agree with Trump, but he is on the money when it comes to immigrants that come from Jihadist countries.
42
Our response to this crisis ought to be to defeat the forces in the Middle East that are causing these mass migrations. By accepting these immigrants we are releasing the pressure for change in that part of the World. These immigrants need to stay and fight for a society in which they can live.
28
There are immmigrants and immigrants. Immigration per se is a positive thing but when we get large numbers of individuals of a historically aggresive and expansionist religion, we do have serious problems.
What these three writers are calling for is equivalent to the Britain of the 1880's inviting the followers of the Mahdi to move in after they murdered Gordon of Khartoum. This is irresponsible.
Every inch of Muslim land today was conquered by brute force; not an inch by proselitizing.
The writers are putting aside the interest of their constituents to support an ideological agenda.
Several years ago I met the mother of a Pakistani co-worker who bluntly told me people in Pakistan had been better off under the Raj. But it would be political blasphemy to say so now in the PC world. We in the West have been conditioned to feel guilty about our culture, religion, and race.
And I credit Trump for bringing this to a head.
What these three writers are calling for is equivalent to the Britain of the 1880's inviting the followers of the Mahdi to move in after they murdered Gordon of Khartoum. This is irresponsible.
Every inch of Muslim land today was conquered by brute force; not an inch by proselitizing.
The writers are putting aside the interest of their constituents to support an ideological agenda.
Several years ago I met the mother of a Pakistani co-worker who bluntly told me people in Pakistan had been better off under the Raj. But it would be political blasphemy to say so now in the PC world. We in the West have been conditioned to feel guilty about our culture, religion, and race.
And I credit Trump for bringing this to a head.
35
"[W]hen we get large numbers of individuals of a historically aggresive and expansionist religion, we do have serious problems".
You mean, for example, immigration by the British, French, Spanish, and Portuguese Christians? Or were they OK because they were Caucasian?
You mean, for example, immigration by the British, French, Spanish, and Portuguese Christians? Or were they OK because they were Caucasian?
2
They also left behind literacy, government, silly ideas about the emancipation of women, technology, medicine, vaccines, antibiotics, and, in fact, everything Africa now has of modernity, from the combustion engine to malaria vaccines.
And they did, eventually, leave. China is now busily buying up Africa. Check the report just released in France about 25% of its Muslim populating supporting fundamentalist Islam, the burka, and imposing sharia law, not to mention their views on Jews and homosexuals.
A bit different, isn't it.
And they did, eventually, leave. China is now busily buying up Africa. Check the report just released in France about 25% of its Muslim populating supporting fundamentalist Islam, the burka, and imposing sharia law, not to mention their views on Jews and homosexuals.
A bit different, isn't it.
7
this disgraceful editorial completely overlooks the obvious- the government has an obligation to help immigrant while protecting the people who already live in the country!
So instead of attacking straw men, why don't these authors figure out a way to improve the current system?
Sadly, I know the answer- the liberal elite prefer to slander others than to create successful policies. Just look at liberal failures and realize the following in NYC:
- NYC public schools are under performing,
- the black community has 50% abortion and 75% out-of-wedlock births,
- rising homelessness
- rising violent crime
- greater income disparity
When you consider Baltimore, Chicago, and other democratic strongholds, the failure of democrats and liberal ideology is even more apparent.
But those facts are swept aside by the media, which scapegoat republicans for the problems created and exacerbated by democrats.
So enjoy this hypocritical editorial, and then realize that the authors are the people who are making this City worse!
So instead of attacking straw men, why don't these authors figure out a way to improve the current system?
Sadly, I know the answer- the liberal elite prefer to slander others than to create successful policies. Just look at liberal failures and realize the following in NYC:
- NYC public schools are under performing,
- the black community has 50% abortion and 75% out-of-wedlock births,
- rising homelessness
- rising violent crime
- greater income disparity
When you consider Baltimore, Chicago, and other democratic strongholds, the failure of democrats and liberal ideology is even more apparent.
But those facts are swept aside by the media, which scapegoat republicans for the problems created and exacerbated by democrats.
So enjoy this hypocritical editorial, and then realize that the authors are the people who are making this City worse!
54
"Our Immigrants, Our Strength" is just more blind adherence to the circumstances and ideology of the past. It's not 1870 anymore and every immigrant doesn't get 150 acres. It's not even 1920 or 1950 when livable-wage factory jobs were abundant. Millions of American citizens are without affordable housing, medical care, or full-time work . Taking in refugees and immigrants from other countries, and giving them a place to live, health care, etc. while American citizens go without, is criminal.
191
American citizens who are going "without" are not in their pickle because of refugees and immigrants, Marigrow. If all they can do is work at factory jobs, then they have failed to move with the times.
Factory jobs for citizens already here are part of a sound economy. (A diversified economy.)
3
NYC is an extremely expensive place to live, and yet it gives newcomers a right to shelter. It encourages the overbuiliding of hotels which are then used to house those newcomers under lucrative contracts with the city in neighborhoods that are actually the most affordable and family friendly, but which then become burdened with newcomers in desperate straits being housed by the city in single rooms at rates far in excess of the rent on local apartments. Being humane means encouraging responsible immigration. Our right to shelter law, as it is being implemented, is not sustainable and not humane.
39
Let's go back to grandparents. To pass through Ellis Island, legal immigrants, they needed a sponsor, a job, and have good health. When they were permitted through they did everything to learn our culture and our ways with the mantra "Learn English" on every lip. They made no demands for acknowledgement of their former lives.
Those who were war refugees were welcomed as they should be, torn from their homes due to circumstances beyond their control. Here American altruism held sway. But again, adoption of the American way was paramount for this grateful group.
Our strength lies in unity, a unity which has been eroded. We must not forgo our ideals but we must insist that those who come to our shores, for whatever reason do so legally and embrace our culture to the fullest extent.
Those who were war refugees were welcomed as they should be, torn from their homes due to circumstances beyond their control. Here American altruism held sway. But again, adoption of the American way was paramount for this grateful group.
Our strength lies in unity, a unity which has been eroded. We must not forgo our ideals but we must insist that those who come to our shores, for whatever reason do so legally and embrace our culture to the fullest extent.
37
Please. This is a nice myth. I have a several hundred word Yiddish vocabulary because my ex-husband (3rd generation) and his mother (2nd generation) often spoke it to each other. Why? They spent the first five years of his life living with his grandparents who spoke Yiddish. But I already knew about Yiddish speaking grandparents from growing up in an unusual neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio, where there were several of them; their sons or sons-in-law were civilian scientists or engineers working at Wright Field.
It has always been the kids who are born here or came as toddlers who have been the adapters.
It has always been the kids who are born here or came as toddlers who have been the adapters.
7
Good to keep our old languages going, Carol. My family did too. But my grandparents learned English and read American newspapers. They spoke to us grandchildren in English.
Our medical journals, legal tomes, engineering handbooks, and the like, are written in English. It does immigrants no good to live in their little worlds and not get a good grounding and real proficiency in the one language that will ensure their success in the western world.
Our medical journals, legal tomes, engineering handbooks, and the like, are written in English. It does immigrants no good to live in their little worlds and not get a good grounding and real proficiency in the one language that will ensure their success in the western world.
11
Why imply that the two are mutually exclusive? One can immigrate to the US, learn English and still speak their native tongue. I speak from experience since English is not my first language. My parents and I were immigrants; we proudly became Americans while retaining our language and culture.
The three Mayors' article is a significant and necessary contribution at this time when tolerance and inclusiveness are being challenged in such a frightening manner reminiscent of 1930s Germany, especially from one pulpit of the US Presidential campaign. And the Mayors' message is very truthful. Here in Canada, Toronto is a living testimony to the economic, social and cultural development and vibrancy that sustained high levels of immigration have brought to the city. Most importantly, while nothing is perfect, it works, and in many respects works very well.
8
Canada's points system for immigration is effective but would never work here in the US. The ACLU would have a fit.
4
I am so disappointed by the xenophobic, Islamophobic comments I am reading on here. History seems to repeat itself over and over again. America has resisted accepting immigrants so many times, whether it be Italians, Irish, Jews, etc. Part of what makes our country great is the vast diversity. I know and work with countless people who are first or second generation immigrants and their families came to the US for a reason, freedom and opportunity. While many have preserved their religious beliefs, native culture, and even native language within their family, they have embraced American culture and values. I believe that this is also the case for the vast majority of immigrants, regardless of their country of origin. I love that the community I live in consists of people of all sorts of origins (most of whom are first, second, and third generation), Eastern European, Italian, Greek, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and more. Immigrants built this country and immigrants will continue to make our country successful and strong.
9
Are you really arguing that radical Islamists do NOT want to subdue "infidels" wherever they find them? Or, are you arguing that such people are not "really Islamic"? The evidence is all around us that there is indeed a world-wide Jihadist movement, which is arguably Islamist to the core, and which involves millions of adherents. It is utter foolishness to dismiss such warnings as "Islamophobia."
16
I'm glad you appreciate the gorgeous mosaic of your community. But the world has changed. There is a significant subset of immigrants that subscribe to a violent ideology - something we never faced Europeans and Asians. Perhaps you'd feel differently if you were out for a stroll on 23rd street on Saturday.
5
Who just travels to Pakistan and Afghanistan repeatedly? Last I heard these were not pleasant places to be. Is that not a warning sign in and of itself? These mayors have difficult jobs, and I think assimilation is the best way to prevent radicalization, but we are fools to not realize that most newly minted immigrants flock to neighborhoods where others from their country have settled. There avoiding radicalization may be more difficult. And what makes certain people from certain countries more susceptible to radicalization in the first place? I don't see too many radicalized Chinese, Vietnamese or Indians.
45
Maybe because we haven't invaded China or India lately and were lucky enough - I mean it - to lose the war in Vietnam. On the other hand, our behavior as a country in the heartlands of Islam could be interpreted as bullying if one were so inclined.
1
The writers of this piece extolling the virtues of immigration are politicians whose careers have been built on building government jobs for their parties. In as much as they must, 'elect to eat', they have the same interest in growing demand for government services as does our Democrat party. The impositions that mass immigration imposes on ordinary citizen-taxpayers are of no moment to these worthies.
40
Some days ago I had the fortune of meeting a Syrian woman who is seeking asylum in the U.S. Her passport was cancelled by the Syrian government, so her legal status is uncertain. Many members of her family were killed, and the survivors are scattered around the world seeking asylum in different places. Her English is great even though she has only lived here for three years (all this time waiting for an asylum hearing, so her legal status is uncertain). With a smile on her face, she told me bits of her story and then we talked about families, recipes, the weather, and the degree she is pursuing at a university here. A smart, wonderful young woman who will give a lot to this country if we welcome her. Refugees are not numbers.
9
Who Is a Refugee?
"Article 1(A)(2) of the 1951 Convention defines a refugee as an individual who is outside his or her country of nationality or habitual residence who is unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on his or her race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applying this definition, internally displaced persons (IDPs) – including individuals fleeing natural disasters and generalized violence, stateless individuals not outside their country of habitual residence or not facing persecution, and individuals who have crossed an international border fleeing generalized violence are not considered refugees under either the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Optional Protocol." (emphasis theirs)
http://www.ijrcenter.org/refugee-law/
How does simply an unwillingness to fight in a war make one a refugee?
"Article 1(A)(2) of the 1951 Convention defines a refugee as an individual who is outside his or her country of nationality or habitual residence who is unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on his or her race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applying this definition, internally displaced persons (IDPs) – including individuals fleeing natural disasters and generalized violence, stateless individuals not outside their country of habitual residence or not facing persecution, and individuals who have crossed an international border fleeing generalized violence are not considered refugees under either the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Optional Protocol." (emphasis theirs)
http://www.ijrcenter.org/refugee-law/
How does simply an unwillingness to fight in a war make one a refugee?
25
The East End of London has not benefited from unfettered immigration, far from it. The Bangladeshi community now overwhelm the area to the degree it is now officially called Banglatown. This wasn't always the way but as soon as Bangladeshi migrants arrived they were given priority for social housing to the detriment of the resident population. They quickly brought over their relatives and marriage partners for arranged marriages and they too received social housing. The English families had to move outside to get housing so their social/family units were disbursed; no longer were they living near their older relatives, nor could the children go to grandparents after school so mothers could work. The Bangladeshi community on the other hand flourished and continued to be a strain on public services and the benefits system. Bangladeshi women were not allowed to learn English (I know this because we tried to set up lessons and Bangladeshi men shooed them away from the door) and we have the most massive Mosque in Europe.
80
Perhaps the East end of London should learn from Houston's Gulfton neighborhood. Like the East End, Gulfton is ground-zero for a very diverse immigrant community (the local high school has students with over forty native languages). But unlike the East End, immigrants in Gulfton are not encouraged to go on the public dole just for the sake of being quiet and invisible. Immigrant owned Businesses in Gulfton and nearby Sharpstown flourish. They add to the culture rather than draining it. And within a generation (often less) many of the immigrants who come through "Houston's Ellis Island" (as a City Councilman called it) move up and out of Gulfton to live in wealthier places.
1
Of course, liberals and progressives purposely don't distinguish between legal and illegal immigrants. Failing to do so conveniently makes anyone opposed to illegal immigration sound like an anti-immigrant xenophobe. The insane thing is no one is saying we shouldn't have immigrants. Most Americans don't think that and even our lunatic Republican nominee doesn't seem to think that. What Americans DO want, I think, is limits on immigration-- limits that benefit most Americans, not just the rich, who profit from their cheap labor-- and for our government to enforce our limits by deporting those who come here illegally.
Trump is correct in saying that those who are here illegally must leave. The only reason that idea sounds insane is because we've failed to enforce our immigration laws for several decades under previous Democratic and Republican presidents, and we now find ourselves in a situation in which we have at least 11mm people here illegally. Provide amnesty and next time we have this discussion there will be 25mm.
Trump is correct in saying that those who are here illegally must leave. The only reason that idea sounds insane is because we've failed to enforce our immigration laws for several decades under previous Democratic and Republican presidents, and we now find ourselves in a situation in which we have at least 11mm people here illegally. Provide amnesty and next time we have this discussion there will be 25mm.
35
Here is the big picture: The world is grossly overpopulated. Even the 'vast' US, with its high resource consumption, is past its point of sustainability. Tragic as it may be, the only possible solution is to force each country to deal with their own overpopulation, and not use the developed countries as overflow valves. We owe it to our grandchildren to control and reduce immigration (legal and illegal). We cannot continue to worship the false gods of 'growth' to the long term harm of our society.
46
It's not xenophobia. It's reality. Politicians and talking-heads talk to the populous like we're children who are incapable of seeing what's going on around us. This isn't an issue whereby Americans, or Europeans for that matter, are anti-immigrant. Quite frankly, I and many others, including Europeans that I communicate with, are tired of the proverbial political retort "we're a nation of immigrants". But then the next phrase out of their mouth speaks to "accepting refugees." Neither the U.S. or Europe is a nation of refugees. So lets cut to the chase, and eliminate political rhetoric that plagues the political landscape (comprised of people who aren't the ones being raped, blown-up, shot, etc.). There's only one category of "migrant" and refugee that is attacking the U.S. and Europe, and that category is 'refugees fleeing Islamic countries.' This is not a phobia. It's a reality. We hear and see how great these "migrants" are and the potential they bring relative to work-ethic and skills. So I ask, if millions of great (young) people are fleeing then who is staying behind to bring peace to the Islamic world? Who is fighting for the moderate/progressive Islam that I hear liberals talk about who accept homosexuality, apostasy, and equality for women? Who is combatting the politicization of Islam in Islamic nations? Ah yes, I know who. The great Satan.
It's a bad joke.
It's a bad joke.
42
If this is the best the establishment can do, you might as well just give the keys to Trump now. I read every fatuous word of this press release masquerading as Magna Carta, and all three of these mayors are shoving the proverbial cake down the throats of their cities.
I think most of us learned long ago not to judge books by covers and to separate bad apples and all the simple moralities we're taught as children. And frankly, we do a pretty good job of it every time it's tested. But we also get sick and tired of the lectures and wagging fingers waved at us after every incident as though we are the problem.
At no point in this saccharine, tone deaf pledge did the three mayors outline the responsibilities they expect of new arrivals. Few of us would plan to visit a foreign country or city without adjusting our daily lives and perspectives to get the most out of such an experience. Heck, a family from Alabama won't spend a Christmas in NYC without accounting for a "culture shock," and I daresay they'd be disappointed if they didn't find one.
There is no war on diversity. There is, however, a case to be made for reciprocity. And it's argued through common sense and self-respect. It's a big world, and we have a right to live in it too.
Especially when we're still at home.
I think most of us learned long ago not to judge books by covers and to separate bad apples and all the simple moralities we're taught as children. And frankly, we do a pretty good job of it every time it's tested. But we also get sick and tired of the lectures and wagging fingers waved at us after every incident as though we are the problem.
At no point in this saccharine, tone deaf pledge did the three mayors outline the responsibilities they expect of new arrivals. Few of us would plan to visit a foreign country or city without adjusting our daily lives and perspectives to get the most out of such an experience. Heck, a family from Alabama won't spend a Christmas in NYC without accounting for a "culture shock," and I daresay they'd be disappointed if they didn't find one.
There is no war on diversity. There is, however, a case to be made for reciprocity. And it's argued through common sense and self-respect. It's a big world, and we have a right to live in it too.
Especially when we're still at home.
52
The white Europeans who arrived in Native North America were corrupt criminal greedy inhumane conquerors and colonists. They were not immigrants. Nor were their enslaved human black African property immigrants.
From the end of the Civil War until World War I American immigration policy and practice favored white European immigrants of all faiths and nations. From the end of World War I until the mid-1960's American immigration policy favored European Protestant immigrants from North and West Europe.
Legal immigration into America is too slow, too complicated, to conflicted and too costly to be worthy of the best interests and values of a nation of immigrants. But for a significant native and immigrant black African and brown Latino -primarily Mexican- population, America would be an aging and shrinking nation like all of Europe, Japan and South Korea. Facing a socioeconomic political educational demographic nightmare as the white majority birthrate is well below replacement levels. The white Americans having babies come from the bottom of the socioeconomic educational heap.
The 65 million displaced/ refugees are the most since the end of World War II. Nearly 1 in 100 Earthlings. With over 1 in 20 of the people in Middle East being displaced/refugees due to American and European military action fueling and fomenting ethnic sectarian civil wars there is moral responsibility and humane empathetic need.
From the end of the Civil War until World War I American immigration policy and practice favored white European immigrants of all faiths and nations. From the end of World War I until the mid-1960's American immigration policy favored European Protestant immigrants from North and West Europe.
Legal immigration into America is too slow, too complicated, to conflicted and too costly to be worthy of the best interests and values of a nation of immigrants. But for a significant native and immigrant black African and brown Latino -primarily Mexican- population, America would be an aging and shrinking nation like all of Europe, Japan and South Korea. Facing a socioeconomic political educational demographic nightmare as the white majority birthrate is well below replacement levels. The white Americans having babies come from the bottom of the socioeconomic educational heap.
The 65 million displaced/ refugees are the most since the end of World War II. Nearly 1 in 100 Earthlings. With over 1 in 20 of the people in Middle East being displaced/refugees due to American and European military action fueling and fomenting ethnic sectarian civil wars there is moral responsibility and humane empathetic need.
3
blackmamba wrote:
"The white Europeans who arrived in Native North America were corrupt criminal greedy inhumane conquerors and colonists."
We can safely assume that you are referring to the Spanish. The English colonists, who arrived in North America over 100 years after the Spanish, were intrepid, resourceful, law-abiding, and pious people who bravely settled in North America to provide a better life for themselves and their families. Those are the kinds of immigrants we should hope to attract.
"The white Europeans who arrived in Native North America were corrupt criminal greedy inhumane conquerors and colonists."
We can safely assume that you are referring to the Spanish. The English colonists, who arrived in North America over 100 years after the Spanish, were intrepid, resourceful, law-abiding, and pious people who bravely settled in North America to provide a better life for themselves and their families. Those are the kinds of immigrants we should hope to attract.
3
The "humanitarian crisis" is not that we have 100s or even 1000s of lifejackets floating around the Mediterranean and in many other waters around the world, it's that humanity is not capable of understanding that those tragic lives should never have existed in the first place. We don't have an immigration or a refugee crisis, we have an explosive crisis of over-population.
Humanity must desperately find a way to structure a rational understanding that women should not be having those children that will become empty lifejackets a few years later. The tragedy is the unnecessary pain and the suffering caused by this species' fundamental inability to control its reproductive behavior.
Until opinion makers like the NY Times finds a way to radically restructure its reporting, this form of mass tragedy of human life will continue. And I'm not just talking about Africa or the Middle East, as much as we love New York City with its 9 million people bursting at the seams, this kind of insane urban habitation is not sustainable from a environmental perspective. You just can't continue to pour people into a city like this.
Humanity must desperately find a way to structure a rational understanding that women should not be having those children that will become empty lifejackets a few years later. The tragedy is the unnecessary pain and the suffering caused by this species' fundamental inability to control its reproductive behavior.
Until opinion makers like the NY Times finds a way to radically restructure its reporting, this form of mass tragedy of human life will continue. And I'm not just talking about Africa or the Middle East, as much as we love New York City with its 9 million people bursting at the seams, this kind of insane urban habitation is not sustainable from a environmental perspective. You just can't continue to pour people into a city like this.
32
During the "UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants", I sure hope someone will examine the true cause of the refugee problem, namely, the destructive effects of all of these conflicts that has left much -- if not almost all-- of these regions uninhabitable. Since efforts to promote a cease fire have failed, it is time to consider whether a concerted efforts by ALL civilized nations in banning the sales and shipment of ALL arms to these areas of conflict might be the not only the best but the most practicable solution. There is NO justification for large multinational corporations to profit the misery they cause to the innocent victims of these conflicts. The world has more than enough weapons of destruction. We do not need any m ore, nor should we keep sending them to unstable regions where they only serve to "pour more gasoline on a blazing fire". That is rank stupidity, if not insanity. As long as they weapons keep pouring into the area, there will be no constructive discussions on how to resolve these conflicts, the only solution of which is a secular form of government that guarantees complete religious tolerance and freedom to ALL.
4
I don't a single person who is against legal immigration. Articles like are purposefully calling us xenophobes and covering up our animosity to the people who enter our country illegally. They cost our country tens of billions of dollars a year to provide with services they do not contribute to. The latesy figure si $67,000 a year per person.
This is not the 18th century. We don't have millions of acres we need to fill nor do we need unskilled illiterates to do menial labor. We have enough of those who are born here for those jobs.
These "refugees" flooding Europe and now the US are coming here for economic reasons. They don't really care to be US citizens, they don't assimilate and they send their earnings back home which does not help us here to create new jobs and repair the infrastructure they use.
The 14th Amendment needs to amended to eliminate birthright citizenship. That would help us more than any walls. Too many people are here because of these people who were brought in to be born here so they can be the anchor for the rest who then stay and gain support paid for with our taxes.
Our culture is disappearing under the weight of so much uncontrolled border incursion. We stopped immigration from 1924 until 1974 so we could get a handle on that and there's nothing that says we can't do it again. Other countries don't allow foreigners to take over the culture of their people. Just look to the south of us.
This is not the 18th century. We don't have millions of acres we need to fill nor do we need unskilled illiterates to do menial labor. We have enough of those who are born here for those jobs.
These "refugees" flooding Europe and now the US are coming here for economic reasons. They don't really care to be US citizens, they don't assimilate and they send their earnings back home which does not help us here to create new jobs and repair the infrastructure they use.
The 14th Amendment needs to amended to eliminate birthright citizenship. That would help us more than any walls. Too many people are here because of these people who were brought in to be born here so they can be the anchor for the rest who then stay and gain support paid for with our taxes.
Our culture is disappearing under the weight of so much uncontrolled border incursion. We stopped immigration from 1924 until 1974 so we could get a handle on that and there's nothing that says we can't do it again. Other countries don't allow foreigners to take over the culture of their people. Just look to the south of us.
48
The three mayors, all from major cosmopolitan cities, issuing a "call for inclusivity" is commendable.
But we are talking about "mayors of three great global cities" from the US, France and the UK, all colonial powers, who have played a pivotal role in creating this refugee crisis by leading or supporting illegal wars and regime changes, selling weapons to all sides of those conflicts, and so far haven't stepped up to the plate at all when it comes to solving this crisis.
The three cities, incidentally, have some of the highest income and wealth inequality in the world. You should focus some of your efforts and resources to work on behalf of your citizenry as well, otherwise a backlash is pre-programmed.
You also don't do refugees any favour if you don't distinguish between refugees and migrants. Big numbers and scenes of chaotic masses of newcomers allow demagogues and governments to use fear and make bad policies while the locals fear for the stability of their democracies.
Most people want to help refugees and believe legal immigration is good, but most people also believe that illegal immigration is not. It's shameful and counterproductive for the left to intentionally blur that line.
We should do more to help those who have suffered due to our foreign interventions in Iraq, Libya etc., but encouraging economic migrants at the same time is detrimental to that goal.
And as usual, at the UN this week there will be much empathy and very little concrete action.
Pathetic.
But we are talking about "mayors of three great global cities" from the US, France and the UK, all colonial powers, who have played a pivotal role in creating this refugee crisis by leading or supporting illegal wars and regime changes, selling weapons to all sides of those conflicts, and so far haven't stepped up to the plate at all when it comes to solving this crisis.
The three cities, incidentally, have some of the highest income and wealth inequality in the world. You should focus some of your efforts and resources to work on behalf of your citizenry as well, otherwise a backlash is pre-programmed.
You also don't do refugees any favour if you don't distinguish between refugees and migrants. Big numbers and scenes of chaotic masses of newcomers allow demagogues and governments to use fear and make bad policies while the locals fear for the stability of their democracies.
Most people want to help refugees and believe legal immigration is good, but most people also believe that illegal immigration is not. It's shameful and counterproductive for the left to intentionally blur that line.
We should do more to help those who have suffered due to our foreign interventions in Iraq, Libya etc., but encouraging economic migrants at the same time is detrimental to that goal.
And as usual, at the UN this week there will be much empathy and very little concrete action.
Pathetic.
16
I'm all for immigration. In the 1910s, all four of my grandparents in their early teens left their villages in southern Europe, boarded ships, lived with cousins, worked like dogs, learned English, married, sent their sons to World War Two, and were grateful for what America gave them. And certainly they weren't given welfare.
They never -- except for one grandmother, as an elderly tourist -- went back to their homeland. They could never afford to. Besides, America was their home now.
It always puzzles me when recent immigrants to the United States seem able to gather enough money to go back to the Middle East for weeks and months at a time. How can it be? It also puzzles and, I admit, irritates me when I see Muslim women in full burka. It isn't at all the same as Orthodox Jewish women wearing wigs. You know, it's nice to see faces. In the United States, we don't think it's great to wear masks in public. We have a bad history with that.
My grandfathers never lambasted their new country because they felt put upon or didn't get rich fast. They were content to see their sons and daughters do well in school and their grandchildren show promise of getting even better educations -- maybe even going to college.
They didn't write op-eds for The New York Times complaining that their sons will never become President.
I grew up with immigrants of all varieties -- Arabs from Syria, Jews with numbers tattooed on their arms, Italians, Greeks. Lately, something different's afoot.
They never -- except for one grandmother, as an elderly tourist -- went back to their homeland. They could never afford to. Besides, America was their home now.
It always puzzles me when recent immigrants to the United States seem able to gather enough money to go back to the Middle East for weeks and months at a time. How can it be? It also puzzles and, I admit, irritates me when I see Muslim women in full burka. It isn't at all the same as Orthodox Jewish women wearing wigs. You know, it's nice to see faces. In the United States, we don't think it's great to wear masks in public. We have a bad history with that.
My grandfathers never lambasted their new country because they felt put upon or didn't get rich fast. They were content to see their sons and daughters do well in school and their grandchildren show promise of getting even better educations -- maybe even going to college.
They didn't write op-eds for The New York Times complaining that their sons will never become President.
I grew up with immigrants of all varieties -- Arabs from Syria, Jews with numbers tattooed on their arms, Italians, Greeks. Lately, something different's afoot.
44
My family has been here on all four sides since before 1800. My grandparents never travelled outside the country either. My parents did several times - after they retired. I'm in my sixties. I, my brother and all of my first cousins except for the developmentally disabled cousin have travelled abroad, and most of the next generation have. Does this put us outside of the American culture? I think not.
1
You didn't read my comment, did you, Carol? Good for you and your cousins that you've "traveled abroad." So have I and my cousins. My grandparents did not.
Young men who come here and become naturalized citizens but who somehow amass money enough to spend weeks and months in places like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan should be very carefully scrutinized when they return. To each his own, but it doesn't make much sense to leave for such a long time the country you've sworn to become part of.
Young men who come here and become naturalized citizens but who somehow amass money enough to spend weeks and months in places like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan should be very carefully scrutinized when they return. To each his own, but it doesn't make much sense to leave for such a long time the country you've sworn to become part of.
4
Its very difficult to state some uncomfortable truths without being labeled racist and xenophobic:
--that too many immigrants today want the privileges and opportunities that America provides, while rejecting its core values and the need to assimilate
--that many of today's immigrants seek to come to the West, only to settle and recreate the toxic stew from which they were fleeing, in the first place
--that burkas (which I have seen here in the US) and Islamic headscarves are deeply offensive to a lot of Americans, even some relatively liberal ones like myself, because they remind us that many in Islam believe women are somehow responsible for male sexual behavior
--that Islam is fundamentally both a political system as well as a religion, and that much of it is antithetical to Western values
--that the sheer percentage of foreign born residents is reaching critical mass both here and in Europe.
Enough is enough. There are dozens of other countries that can take in fleeing political and economic refugees. The West has done its share. Other regions of the world need to step up to the plate.
--that too many immigrants today want the privileges and opportunities that America provides, while rejecting its core values and the need to assimilate
--that many of today's immigrants seek to come to the West, only to settle and recreate the toxic stew from which they were fleeing, in the first place
--that burkas (which I have seen here in the US) and Islamic headscarves are deeply offensive to a lot of Americans, even some relatively liberal ones like myself, because they remind us that many in Islam believe women are somehow responsible for male sexual behavior
--that Islam is fundamentally both a political system as well as a religion, and that much of it is antithetical to Western values
--that the sheer percentage of foreign born residents is reaching critical mass both here and in Europe.
Enough is enough. There are dozens of other countries that can take in fleeing political and economic refugees. The West has done its share. Other regions of the world need to step up to the plate.
68
And Roman Catholicism is not a political system? Not any more in the US, you say. And how long did that take? Certainly it was still feared to be that by many Americans in the fall of 1960.
1
But the difference between R.C. and Islam is that R.C. could be, and was, reformed. Reformation was possible because the R.C. leaders had significantly departed from the New Testament, and Luther, et al. only had to distribute the N.T., along with reasonable interpretations, to spark the Protestant Reformation.
But, this is simply not possible with Islam, because modern Islamists are actually following the Koran quite faithfully. Moreover, according to widely accepted Hadiths, they are also following Mohamed's example faithfully, so there really is no room for reform. This is one of the greatest conundrums of our age, and one we must grapple with somehow if we are ever to have peace.
But, this is simply not possible with Islam, because modern Islamists are actually following the Koran quite faithfully. Moreover, according to widely accepted Hadiths, they are also following Mohamed's example faithfully, so there really is no room for reform. This is one of the greatest conundrums of our age, and one we must grapple with somehow if we are ever to have peace.
4
Nice words for who could decently oppose diversity? Yet writing "policies that embrace diversity and promote inclusion are successful" is a bit hypocritical when these cities (Manhattan only for NYC) do not include social diversity, the poor and middle classes are driven away by real estate costs. London has effectively divorced from the rest of England (not to speak of Britain) so there is a kind of soft social apartheid camouflaged by the diversity of immigration. People doing menial jobs are present in the core cities, mostly during the day, to do the work that hyper-privileged people or high class bobos need them for.
Mike Davis once said that Paris was like Beverly Hills with museums. Social stratification makes core cities unaffordable for the huge majority of people. In Paris the new center for refugees (a good thing) is located in a poor area for the NIMBY syndrome also applies to bobos who claim to be open-minded and welcoming. Inclusion would indeed be a good idea if all social classes could live side by side in these world cities. But try buying or renting an apartment in Manhattan or London and you will quickly realize which diversity is real.
Mike Davis once said that Paris was like Beverly Hills with museums. Social stratification makes core cities unaffordable for the huge majority of people. In Paris the new center for refugees (a good thing) is located in a poor area for the NIMBY syndrome also applies to bobos who claim to be open-minded and welcoming. Inclusion would indeed be a good idea if all social classes could live side by side in these world cities. But try buying or renting an apartment in Manhattan or London and you will quickly realize which diversity is real.
18
This is the problem we have with our mayors. Instead of making sure that cities are clean, not overrun by crime and aggressive panhandlers, and people peeing on the streets, our "mayors" want to be world leaders.
And so they speak like the true elite that they are, the three mayor's (oops!), leaders of three world cities have chimed in for more immigration. Let us see their reasons:
1. Militant violence is vanishingly rare. Clever words. But we are not worried about militant violence. We are worried about violence that is perpetrated by ordinary civilians who have turned into violent criminals and who use violent tactics in the name of religion (or add your favorite cause).
2. Tax base: Immigrants add to the tax base. Again clever words. Businesses add to the tax base. Business run by all kinds of people. If immigrants would not open a particular business someone else would as soon as the need is identified.
3. As mayor of three great global cities- Please do your job as mayors and don't act like wannabe world leaders. The cities could be global, that doesn't make you a global leader
.
4. Municipal ID have achieved great success in increasing a sense of belonging. How? Pray tell by providing evidence, not aspirational goals.
5. Refugees and other foreign-born bring needed skills. Again wordsmithy at its best, but clever by the half. H1-B visa holders and professional visa holders bring valuable skills, not refugees or illegal immigrants.
Sorry, not impressed.
And so they speak like the true elite that they are, the three mayor's (oops!), leaders of three world cities have chimed in for more immigration. Let us see their reasons:
1. Militant violence is vanishingly rare. Clever words. But we are not worried about militant violence. We are worried about violence that is perpetrated by ordinary civilians who have turned into violent criminals and who use violent tactics in the name of religion (or add your favorite cause).
2. Tax base: Immigrants add to the tax base. Again clever words. Businesses add to the tax base. Business run by all kinds of people. If immigrants would not open a particular business someone else would as soon as the need is identified.
3. As mayor of three great global cities- Please do your job as mayors and don't act like wannabe world leaders. The cities could be global, that doesn't make you a global leader
.
4. Municipal ID have achieved great success in increasing a sense of belonging. How? Pray tell by providing evidence, not aspirational goals.
5. Refugees and other foreign-born bring needed skills. Again wordsmithy at its best, but clever by the half. H1-B visa holders and professional visa holders bring valuable skills, not refugees or illegal immigrants.
Sorry, not impressed.
134
15 million American children are dealing with food insecurity, 45% of all homeless veterans are African American or Hispanic, it is estimated anywhere between 49k to 200k veterans are homeless on a given night. This is just a micro picture of problems facing this country. Not everything is awful, but not everything is great with this economy.
Americans understand the plight of immigrants, we all were immigrants, but resentment brews when resettlement is pushed at the expense of problems we're not dealing with effectively home; or when we see assimilation into Western culture not being addressed.
Immigrants from decades past all came to America to escape various hellish conditions, but they all came to become Americans. It wasn't about ditching identity completely, but it meant assimilating into Western values and culture and shedding some ideas - i.e. lack of equal rights for women, as an example.
A balanced approach to assimilation may not be a priority for Mr. deBlasio, Mr. Khan, or Ms. Hidalgo, but it is the sentiment of what many Americans feel - the same people who are largely excluded in having an honest conversation about this, which in part, has given rise to the likes of Trump voters.
You can't have a heart if you don't feel the plight of refugees, but to ignore how people of their own country feel and patronize them is not a recipe for optimal election outcomes. We've seen this, and are continuing to see this play out across the pond.
Americans understand the plight of immigrants, we all were immigrants, but resentment brews when resettlement is pushed at the expense of problems we're not dealing with effectively home; or when we see assimilation into Western culture not being addressed.
Immigrants from decades past all came to America to escape various hellish conditions, but they all came to become Americans. It wasn't about ditching identity completely, but it meant assimilating into Western values and culture and shedding some ideas - i.e. lack of equal rights for women, as an example.
A balanced approach to assimilation may not be a priority for Mr. deBlasio, Mr. Khan, or Ms. Hidalgo, but it is the sentiment of what many Americans feel - the same people who are largely excluded in having an honest conversation about this, which in part, has given rise to the likes of Trump voters.
You can't have a heart if you don't feel the plight of refugees, but to ignore how people of their own country feel and patronize them is not a recipe for optimal election outcomes. We've seen this, and are continuing to see this play out across the pond.
107
In 1960 the planet's population was just slightly over 3 billion people. Today it is 7.4 billion, virtually all of that increase happening in the poorer Southern hemisphere where employment, to say nothing of basic resources such as food and even water, are often in short supply. According to the United Nations Population Fund 244 million people were living outside their country of origin in 2015. Mostly people on the move in search a stable and dependable living situation. The average woman in war torn Somalia has 5.99 children, in Afghanistan 5.33. All of the Northern industrialized states are going to have to make a choice. Some like Australia and Hungary have seen the writing on the wall, the tidal wave of humanity rising all across the planet, but many people in the North, blinded by...guilt? refuse to see what is plainly right there before their noses. If it isn't already, the lifeboat will very soon be full my friends, and if we don't have some method of shutting the door, the resources and standards of living we now take for granted, may very soon be but a distant memory.
29
When I read this, and others like it, it calls to mind Peggy Noonan writing about the protected and the unprotected:
"There are the protected and the unprotected. The protected make public policy. The unprotected live in it. The unprotected are starting to push back, powerfully.
The protected are the accomplished, the secure, the successful—those who have power or access to it. They are protected from much of the roughness of the world. More to the point, they are protected from the world they have created. Again, they make public policy and have for some time...
They are figures in government, politics and media. They live in nice neighborhoods, safe ones. Their families function, their kids go to good schools, they’ve got some money. All of these things tend to isolate them, or provide buffers. Some of them...literally have their own security details.
Because they are protected they feel they can do pretty much anything, impose any reality. They’re insulated from many of the effects of their own decisions.
One issue obviously roiling the U.S. and Western Europe is immigration. It is the issue of the moment, a real and concrete one but also a symbolic one: It stands for all the distance between governments and their citizens."
These three mayors are perfect examples of the protected. They will not suffer the consequences of their policies.
"There are the protected and the unprotected. The protected make public policy. The unprotected live in it. The unprotected are starting to push back, powerfully.
The protected are the accomplished, the secure, the successful—those who have power or access to it. They are protected from much of the roughness of the world. More to the point, they are protected from the world they have created. Again, they make public policy and have for some time...
They are figures in government, politics and media. They live in nice neighborhoods, safe ones. Their families function, their kids go to good schools, they’ve got some money. All of these things tend to isolate them, or provide buffers. Some of them...literally have their own security details.
Because they are protected they feel they can do pretty much anything, impose any reality. They’re insulated from many of the effects of their own decisions.
One issue obviously roiling the U.S. and Western Europe is immigration. It is the issue of the moment, a real and concrete one but also a symbolic one: It stands for all the distance between governments and their citizens."
These three mayors are perfect examples of the protected. They will not suffer the consequences of their policies.
28
So why not get the best immigrants?
We could require that all immigrants have college or graduate degrees, speak English, and have substantial financial assets. We would still get plenty of immigrants, they'd be waiting in line to get in.
Instead, we let in unskilled and uneducated people when our own unskilled and uneducated people can't find work. They never will if they have to compete with hard-working immigrants.
We could require that all immigrants have college or graduate degrees, speak English, and have substantial financial assets. We would still get plenty of immigrants, they'd be waiting in line to get in.
Instead, we let in unskilled and uneducated people when our own unskilled and uneducated people can't find work. They never will if they have to compete with hard-working immigrants.
48
The article would be more convincing if this were about "legal" immigrants being our strength, i.e. those who apply for entry, wait their turns, and have a sponsor so that they don't become a burden to the taxpayers.
This lawlessness advocated by present-day politicians will only further destabilize prosperous nations and alienate their taxpaying citizens, who deserve better.
This lawlessness advocated by present-day politicians will only further destabilize prosperous nations and alienate their taxpaying citizens, who deserve better.
113
The Life jackets display and everyone trying to help refugees are to be saluted. How many more UN summit will it take to provide the support and assistance to refugees who are attempting to survive and get away from unimaginable horrors, whether in Syria or Central America.
The bickering about who can take another thousand people, the barbwire, the police in riot gears saying no, all of this says a great deal about our world.
The bickering about who can take another thousand people, the barbwire, the police in riot gears saying no, all of this says a great deal about our world.
6
It seems to me put of all the groups muslims need special coddling?? One slight against them they turn radical?? They cant be this fragile. Islam is not thru with the west yet.
31
This is completely false. Yes, there are extremists in every religion, but that number is minuscule compared to the millions of Muslims who condemn violence in the name of their religion.
Message to Democratic Party strategists: get out of the ivory tower. Yesterday, David Axelrod, sounding old, tired, and condescending, went on TV to denounce Trump's rhetoric as "dystopic." He said, correctly, that Trump was painting New York as a Dystopia that could be saved by Batman. How many swing voters do you think talk Dystopia -- or Meme, Narrative, Discourse, Xenophobia, etc? You're shouting into an echo chamber.
Here's the way David's analysis should have gone: "Donald Trump is trying to paint America as a failed state with anarchy in its cities, as if New York were Mogadishu. So he's gonna be the Batman and He Alone is gonna save the population. This is comic-book politics, perhaps, because that's the only reading he does, comic books, or maybe he's watched the movies. Where is reality and history in Donald's language? Imagine a man like that in the White House." By the way, when they talk about white Republican voters as being "educated," they don't mean they've graduated in women's studies or literature; it means they've got degrees in Business, Engineering, Geolology, Science, Medicine, Phamacology, Law, and trade schools.
Here's the way David's analysis should have gone: "Donald Trump is trying to paint America as a failed state with anarchy in its cities, as if New York were Mogadishu. So he's gonna be the Batman and He Alone is gonna save the population. This is comic-book politics, perhaps, because that's the only reading he does, comic books, or maybe he's watched the movies. Where is reality and history in Donald's language? Imagine a man like that in the White House." By the way, when they talk about white Republican voters as being "educated," they don't mean they've graduated in women's studies or literature; it means they've got degrees in Business, Engineering, Geolology, Science, Medicine, Phamacology, Law, and trade schools.
10
Really, Benvenuto, if there was that much science represented in GOP voters, how could they support a climate change denier? And as long as you've brought up "literature"......what is it GOP voters would save of the American heritage if not the western cultural canon? But then, if you've already rejected classics for Batman and Netflix, well, there's no real culture worth saving anyway.
1
Gee...that didn't take long. Bombs went off in the NYC area over the weekend, and on Tuesday we have the multiculturalist warriors scold us unwashed masses for thinking we should be doing a better job screening and selecting the immigrants to allow into our country. As a nation state, we have every right to put whatever stipulation we want on who is allowed to enter the country, including quotas on national origin. All the ID programs described here do is undermine national policies by making it easier for illegal aliens to live in our cities. Please - DeBlasio, resign. You are an embarrassment in the best light, someone rotting our country out from the inside in the worst.
213
The bombs and stabbings were the work of legal immigrants.
1
@trholland - Actually, I believe that those acts were committed by the children of refugees.
At least the ones in Boston were by "refugee" offspring and I'm putting that term in quotation marks because there was speculation that the Tsarnev family fabricated its refugee status. (Seeing that both parents of the bombers are now back in the land that they supposedly fled in fear of their lives, I'd say that it is probable they were scammers.)
At least the ones in Boston were by "refugee" offspring and I'm putting that term in quotation marks because there was speculation that the Tsarnev family fabricated its refugee status. (Seeing that both parents of the bombers are now back in the land that they supposedly fled in fear of their lives, I'd say that it is probable they were scammers.)
5
To write that security is "paramount" but to spend the rest of your essay arguing for an essentially open borders policy is absurd. Equally aburd is your "evolved" use of "nuanced" libspeak, such as conflating illegial aliens with legal immigrants, or those her legally on work permits from those who overstay visas. More libspeak? "In the aftermath of an explosive device going off..." A device did not go off de Blasio. A radical muslim built, set,and exploded a bomb, resulting in injuries to dozens. Within days of a 9-11 anniversary. Maybe you should spend less time warning your kid about cops, and more about radical muslims.
93
Skilled immigrants from secular democracies should be wecomed with open doors.
Can we say the same for some one for someone, for example from Jihad breeding Pakistan?
With Sadiq Khan, San Bernardino perpetrators also get in.
How can this risk be mitigated?
Is this risk worth taking?
Can we say the same for some one for someone, for example from Jihad breeding Pakistan?
With Sadiq Khan, San Bernardino perpetrators also get in.
How can this risk be mitigated?
Is this risk worth taking?
33
All three mayors acknowledge the importance of embracing an "inclusive approach"--the difference between welcoming immigrants and refugees or marginalizing them.
I wish readers could open my Facebook pages this past week and see two of my former high school ESL students' posts--one, fleeing the turmoil in El Salvador, just debuted at Lincoln Center; the other, receiving refugee status with her family from China earlier in her life, serves in our Armed Forces. I keep up with many of my students who have gone on to lead successful lives and contribute to our country as did the immigrant populations before them.
Extending a helping hand and opening a door is a gesture of human charity that I hope has not been extinguished by xenophobia or terrorists. Then, terrorism has certainly won the war.
I wish readers could open my Facebook pages this past week and see two of my former high school ESL students' posts--one, fleeing the turmoil in El Salvador, just debuted at Lincoln Center; the other, receiving refugee status with her family from China earlier in her life, serves in our Armed Forces. I keep up with many of my students who have gone on to lead successful lives and contribute to our country as did the immigrant populations before them.
Extending a helping hand and opening a door is a gesture of human charity that I hope has not been extinguished by xenophobia or terrorists. Then, terrorism has certainly won the war.
6
mayor de blasio, et al., have the cart before the horse, and as usual their own convenience over the more difficult challenges of leadership.
"...the growing (sic) tide of xenophobic language," is rather (granted its toxic effect) the detritus on the surface of a rising tide of terrorist threat, violence, that has a single locus, the self styled islamic state, and a single focus, an avowed objective to kill any and all who oppose their political purpose and religious beliefs, no matter that said beliefs are judged to be perversions of one or another established organized institutional religion.
by ducking the obligation to confront and combat entities of any sort who declare war, a guns and bombs war, not a "narrative"abstraction, ignoring the crime (how long did it take they mayor to say the "b" word after the explosion on sixth avenue?)
for the relative safety of immigrant acceptance, which no one really opposes anyway.
as a first generation american, one can appreciate the need for a more welcoming america, would that prior generations had the benefits therefrom rather than the pain of slurs and assumptions about character that were indeed aspects of exclusion.
ducking out on the fight only makes us more vulnerable to those who press it, it is, essentially, draft-dodging, for in this war we are all conscripts.
"...the growing (sic) tide of xenophobic language," is rather (granted its toxic effect) the detritus on the surface of a rising tide of terrorist threat, violence, that has a single locus, the self styled islamic state, and a single focus, an avowed objective to kill any and all who oppose their political purpose and religious beliefs, no matter that said beliefs are judged to be perversions of one or another established organized institutional religion.
by ducking the obligation to confront and combat entities of any sort who declare war, a guns and bombs war, not a "narrative"abstraction, ignoring the crime (how long did it take they mayor to say the "b" word after the explosion on sixth avenue?)
for the relative safety of immigrant acceptance, which no one really opposes anyway.
as a first generation american, one can appreciate the need for a more welcoming america, would that prior generations had the benefits therefrom rather than the pain of slurs and assumptions about character that were indeed aspects of exclusion.
ducking out on the fight only makes us more vulnerable to those who press it, it is, essentially, draft-dodging, for in this war we are all conscripts.
9
"Migrants fleeing economic hardship". So, basically, people in wealthy countries need to let in an unlimited number of poor people; and since Africa's population will quadruple from 1 billion to 4 billion in the course of this century, we can assume there are going to be a lot more poor people who want to get in.
In practice, nearly all of the world's wealthy countries were created by Europeans. There are a few exceptions, such as South Korea and Japan. But, strangely, they manage to do perfectly well with almost no immigration and no one demands that they open themselves up to it. It is only Europeans who must agree to turn themselves into ethnic minorities in their own lands and who are told that refusal to do so is a sign of moral turpitude.
In acting as a propagandist for host of dubious causes, Sadiq Khan is already fulfilling the worst predictions made about him during the mayoral campaign.
It is time to stop talking about the rights of "migrants" and focus instead on the rights of settled peoples to preserve their own culture and identity and not have their societies destabilised by foreigners who, in most cases, have no interest in their culture or identity and simply want a higher standard of living than they can enjoy in their own countries of origin.
In practice, nearly all of the world's wealthy countries were created by Europeans. There are a few exceptions, such as South Korea and Japan. But, strangely, they manage to do perfectly well with almost no immigration and no one demands that they open themselves up to it. It is only Europeans who must agree to turn themselves into ethnic minorities in their own lands and who are told that refusal to do so is a sign of moral turpitude.
In acting as a propagandist for host of dubious causes, Sadiq Khan is already fulfilling the worst predictions made about him during the mayoral campaign.
It is time to stop talking about the rights of "migrants" and focus instead on the rights of settled peoples to preserve their own culture and identity and not have their societies destabilised by foreigners who, in most cases, have no interest in their culture or identity and simply want a higher standard of living than they can enjoy in their own countries of origin.
140
New title to the article - "Our Legal Immigrants, Our Strength" now lets talk about how legal immigrants contribute to societies.
22
A big thank you to the three mayors. This is a courageous expression of good will on their part, given the violent attacks their cities have suffered in recent years and days. And of course, they are right and they express the view of the vast majority of their fellow citizens who elected them. As the other comments make clear, residents of big cities who live alongside immigrants appreciate their contribution to the vitality of their cities, while people who rarely see immigrants or people different from themselves in their day-to-day lives, fear them and hate them. Ignorance is not bliss after all.
35
Hopefully their respective backs aren't sore from self patting.
Speaking as a born, bred and still New York resident, de Blasio isn't inventing the wheel. He is simply following programs set up by those before him. New York is a city of immigrants. Please don't lecture.
Also, de Blasio doesn't control immigration policy; go to Washington and talk to them. Meanwhile, I'll say hello today to my Russian born neighbors, check on my Italian born neighbor recovering from a medical incident and wave to my Korean born neighbor on my way there.
Speaking as a born, bred and still New York resident, de Blasio isn't inventing the wheel. He is simply following programs set up by those before him. New York is a city of immigrants. Please don't lecture.
Also, de Blasio doesn't control immigration policy; go to Washington and talk to them. Meanwhile, I'll say hello today to my Russian born neighbors, check on my Italian born neighbor recovering from a medical incident and wave to my Korean born neighbor on my way there.
12
Sometimes a time-out on immigration is needed in order to restore the idea and the practical operation of a national common culture. It is not only immigration but the acceptance of a common culture that makes e pluribus unun possible.
47
r u talking about, say a 3/5 year hiatus on ANY immigration?
1
Too many well meaning people are statistically challenged. The significance of the event is not taken into account.
If out of a million great tasting apples sold in a city, a hundred turn out to be rotten, would that be a problem? No.
What if 3 apples were lethally poisonous? Death within 10 minutes of ingestion. Is it fair to ban all the apples? After all, only 3 out of 1,000,000 are deadly.
Sure, the fear of such small odds seems Irrational but that is the definition of terrorism: a low probability threat of horrendous consequences.
If out of a million great tasting apples sold in a city, a hundred turn out to be rotten, would that be a problem? No.
What if 3 apples were lethally poisonous? Death within 10 minutes of ingestion. Is it fair to ban all the apples? After all, only 3 out of 1,000,000 are deadly.
Sure, the fear of such small odds seems Irrational but that is the definition of terrorism: a low probability threat of horrendous consequences.
18
The support for immigrants and refugees is appreciated , but one simply cannot ignore the feeling of xenophobia due to the distressing events in the recent past.
Xenophobia is a form of fear that stems from a feeling of insecurity. People of the great cities mentioned here are filled with fear on variety of issues like jobs, security or a loss of their identity , the culture , their uniqueness of being a part of that city.
So it is of prime importance of the leaders of these cities to create a sense of safety and security towards their own people first,serve them first , later focus on refugees and immigrants.Agreed that immigrants with the skills they bring add to the prosperity of the city and nation as a whole , but the core or natural citizens must never be ignored and they too must be encouraged to develop such skills. There must not be too much of dependence on the immigrants, clearly one must also consider how many refugees and immigrants should be allowed in a particular area.
Xenophobia is a form of fear that stems from a feeling of insecurity. People of the great cities mentioned here are filled with fear on variety of issues like jobs, security or a loss of their identity , the culture , their uniqueness of being a part of that city.
So it is of prime importance of the leaders of these cities to create a sense of safety and security towards their own people first,serve them first , later focus on refugees and immigrants.Agreed that immigrants with the skills they bring add to the prosperity of the city and nation as a whole , but the core or natural citizens must never be ignored and they too must be encouraged to develop such skills. There must not be too much of dependence on the immigrants, clearly one must also consider how many refugees and immigrants should be allowed in a particular area.
4
Donald Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric is assisting ISIL's campaign to provoke a Global War on Islam. Fortunately, the 40-45% of Republicans who think that is a good outcome are a landlocked minority. And the outcome of the election will be seen as Americans' rejection of world war.
1
"Refugees and other foreign-born residents bring needed skills and enhance the vitality and growth of local economies..."
I DO TRY.
I DO TRY.
3
Many of us totally agree in the concept that diversity brings light to our lives.
It is interesting the very concept of the melting pot, which at one time seemed to be the number one difference the United States had over all the world, is being looked at now as a criticism of our country by influential politics and many more and even those who hold diversity to high esteem.
Anti-diversity is being used as a tool to get votes to elect someone who has an immigrant wife himself, but disdains other "types" of immigrants.
On the other hand, when our country has been terrorized, and yes these types of violent episodes on our street corners and other places of innocence are terrorist activities, by the same group of people over and again, it can get quite easy to gain momentum for the anti-diversity folks.
What does that offending group think, what is their explanation? We surely know all people of the group do not terrorize. They have fought for our country, worked hard in our society. But why are a few of their children drawn to the dark side, ending up clouding the rest of their people?
We overlook the entry way to New York and think why is the Statue of Liberty still standing? And how long will she be? What is her meaning?
It is interesting the very concept of the melting pot, which at one time seemed to be the number one difference the United States had over all the world, is being looked at now as a criticism of our country by influential politics and many more and even those who hold diversity to high esteem.
Anti-diversity is being used as a tool to get votes to elect someone who has an immigrant wife himself, but disdains other "types" of immigrants.
On the other hand, when our country has been terrorized, and yes these types of violent episodes on our street corners and other places of innocence are terrorist activities, by the same group of people over and again, it can get quite easy to gain momentum for the anti-diversity folks.
What does that offending group think, what is their explanation? We surely know all people of the group do not terrorize. They have fought for our country, worked hard in our society. But why are a few of their children drawn to the dark side, ending up clouding the rest of their people?
We overlook the entry way to New York and think why is the Statue of Liberty still standing? And how long will she be? What is her meaning?
2
"...immigrants enjoy veteran benefits..." While our own vets wait months to see a doc!!! In NYC ..we are looking for homes for ."thousands of unaccompanied illegal alien children..,"? How did these kids get to New York City? Is DiBlasio for real? America and Americans first!
44
Please, just stop! Why is it that Democrats refuse to acknowledge and deal with the threat of Islamist radical terrorism? It's real, it exists, it's exported by our enemies and by our "good" friends, the Saudis by their monetary and moral support of Wahhabi extremist doctrine. If you acknowledge it, we are smart enough to understand that the vast majority of immigrants are good people, just as there are those that want to maim and kill us. Otherwise, you just make yourselves look like a bunch of chumps who believe that Americans are just dumb-dumbs who cannot differentiate the nuances of international terrorism. We are not dumb, but we are offended that you seem to think so.
41
t's exported by our enemies and by our "good" friends, the Saudis by their monetary and moral support of Wahhabi extremist doctrine
You hit the nail on its head. unfortunately politicians of both parties are willfully avoiding this.
You hit the nail on its head. unfortunately politicians of both parties are willfully avoiding this.
3
It's somewhat ironic that the cities of the authors all have affordable housing crises. Whom do they represent exactly? Who would seriously take city planning advice from Paris?
26
No actually we don't need any more immigrants, we can barely take care of those we have the citizens as it is.
I truly fail to understand it's unabashed, unapologetic push the pile as many foreigners into this country is possible, I wish I knew the backstory and theory behind this New York Times strategy.
I truly fail to understand it's unabashed, unapologetic push the pile as many foreigners into this country is possible, I wish I knew the backstory and theory behind this New York Times strategy.
82
These three mayors are to be commended, but it seems that cities like Dubai, Jedda, Doha and Djakarta, should take the lead. They are flush with oil wealth but seem devoid of compassion for their fellow Muslims.These cities build giant skyscrapers and vulgar indoor shopping malls, but not ONE refugee camp. It is scandalous they do nothing for their desperate and war-weary co-religionists. War refugees are a global problem and rich Muslim countries must do their part. Indeed they should be at the forefront of relief efforts. Liberal democracies of the West should actively force their hand by delivering boat-loads to their shores to help diffuse anti-Muslim sentiments which are growing harsher by the day. And of course, China takes on none of the responsibilities which should rightly be expected of it.
179
Good idea. Let's move the Statue of Liberty to the shores of Dubai.
2
China will never be a superpower. It skulks around the edges of responsibility.
2
These three Mayors can continue to view the world through rose-tinted glasses all they like, meantime we have a terrorist in our charge who is refusing to talk!
I have no doubt these mayors would wrap our 'suspect' in cotton-wool and respect his rights fully, even more than fully, perhaps with a cherry on top.
No!
This terrorist is refusing to speak FOR A REASON. We need to understand that reason. So, we have a US citizen charged with a crime, the moment we call it 'terrorism', he loses his rights as a citizen. Hmmm... should questions arising from this not be what we are discussing here?
I have no doubt these mayors would wrap our 'suspect' in cotton-wool and respect his rights fully, even more than fully, perhaps with a cherry on top.
No!
This terrorist is refusing to speak FOR A REASON. We need to understand that reason. So, we have a US citizen charged with a crime, the moment we call it 'terrorism', he loses his rights as a citizen. Hmmm... should questions arising from this not be what we are discussing here?
18
Islamophobe
"A word created by fascists and used by cowards to manipulate morons".
Andrew Cummins
"A word created by fascists and used by cowards to manipulate morons".
Andrew Cummins
19
Absolutely correct, Andrew! This vile slur should be challenged wherever it occurs. Rational people have every reason to be wary of Islam. In fact, anyone who is not wary of it, must either be an Islamist them self, or completely, and perhaps, willingly ignorant of the Jihadist firestorm happening all over the world.
8
Now that we have heard from the Mother Theresa trio let's get real. We need immigrants who are properly vetted and who do not travel for months to militant countries to become radicalized and put the rest of us in danger. The U.S. should not be open entry to everyone and anyone because they want to come here. Immigrants need a skill and/or education to support themselves because the taxpayers are tapped out.
35
Want to help refugees, or better still, make fewer of them? Fix climate change. The climate wars will decimate populations proportionally as badly as the plague did. No, we will not let the whole middle of the world resettle in the US and Europe. We won't even save Florida.
7
Mr. Khan, lives in a parallel universe. We have no-go areas In London inhabited by migrants. If I may suggest than Khan takes a walk in the early hours of the morning without any security in Brixton, Lambeth or Tottenham.
Massive levels of electoral fraud in heavily populated Muslim areas.have gone unchallenged as a result of “political correctness”, according to an official new report from the UK government.
I cannot comment on Bloomberg's period in office but the only observation I can make and I stand to be corrected, is that he never identified himself as a Jewish Mayor. Khan, will be present at the opening of an envelope, has always gone on about being a Muslim Mayor.
Why?
Khan was forced to defend his support of Farrakhan in London's mayoral election earlier this year, telling London's Jewish News that his past job as a human rights lawyer meant "I had to speak on behalf of some very unsavory individuals," and adding "some of their views made me deeply uncomfortable, but it was my job."
He had a choice, he could have declined. Also, why was he always defending Muslims?
Finally, Khan,should not be interfering in the U.S. elections by supporting
Ms. Clinton. He is entitled to his private views but these views should not be made public.
Obama, contributed to the Brexit campaign by making a derogatory remark during his visit to London ("back of the queue").
Trudeau, the Canadian PM, has declined to comment on the U.S. presidential candidates.
Massive levels of electoral fraud in heavily populated Muslim areas.have gone unchallenged as a result of “political correctness”, according to an official new report from the UK government.
I cannot comment on Bloomberg's period in office but the only observation I can make and I stand to be corrected, is that he never identified himself as a Jewish Mayor. Khan, will be present at the opening of an envelope, has always gone on about being a Muslim Mayor.
Why?
Khan was forced to defend his support of Farrakhan in London's mayoral election earlier this year, telling London's Jewish News that his past job as a human rights lawyer meant "I had to speak on behalf of some very unsavory individuals," and adding "some of their views made me deeply uncomfortable, but it was my job."
He had a choice, he could have declined. Also, why was he always defending Muslims?
Finally, Khan,should not be interfering in the U.S. elections by supporting
Ms. Clinton. He is entitled to his private views but these views should not be made public.
Obama, contributed to the Brexit campaign by making a derogatory remark during his visit to London ("back of the queue").
Trudeau, the Canadian PM, has declined to comment on the U.S. presidential candidates.
23
If some horrible natural disaster caused 5 million white, educated Western Europeans to flee Europe, we would take in as many and as fast as we could. They are members of our tribe. True, in the distant past, we didn't accept the Irish and the Italians but since then we have learned that they are people like us. That change hasn't happened yet with the Islamic people. It will never happen until they want to be like us. Our secular, liberating ways contradict their practices. In particular, the status of women in their societies violates many of our laws.
The reality is that until these poor and savaged people embrace secularism, the people of the West will not want them. If my Jewish ancestors that came here were like the ultra orthodox of Israel, they never would have been accepted. Instead they assimilated. They preserved their culture in the home and kept their religion, but acted and dressed just like any other American.
There are two side to any bridge. If we build a bridge for you, will you meet us half way?
The reality is that until these poor and savaged people embrace secularism, the people of the West will not want them. If my Jewish ancestors that came here were like the ultra orthodox of Israel, they never would have been accepted. Instead they assimilated. They preserved their culture in the home and kept their religion, but acted and dressed just like any other American.
There are two side to any bridge. If we build a bridge for you, will you meet us half way?
122
Ahh but how do you account for places like Kiryas Joel, where only 6% of households speak english at home according to the 2000 census and the village has the highest poverty rate in the country! Not only that 40% of its residents are collecting food stamps. But then again no one from that community has been caught planting bombs. It is a conundrum!
3
If anyone thinks these reasonable words are going to penetrate the thick skulls of Trump disciples then we've got this bridge in Brooklyn...
Except for a very select few, we are all immigrants, and although you will hear thousands of tales by many who will tell you their ancestors entered this country "legally" that was because the US opened its borders and shores to them. If they tried the same thing today they would just as illegal as those whom they now accuse of being murderers, rapists, terrorists, and some, well, they're OK. Right, they're OK.
What nonsense. What chutzpah. So Trump.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
Except for a very select few, we are all immigrants, and although you will hear thousands of tales by many who will tell you their ancestors entered this country "legally" that was because the US opened its borders and shores to them. If they tried the same thing today they would just as illegal as those whom they now accuse of being murderers, rapists, terrorists, and some, well, they're OK. Right, they're OK.
What nonsense. What chutzpah. So Trump.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
16
You answered your OWN question without even knowing it. Previous immigrants came here under the laws in place at the time. If fact, it was so well documented, you can see many of their names at ellis island today. A far cry from many today, who just cross the border, or overstay their visa, then DEMAND rights to stay.
11
Nonsense. Every single country has borders and boundaries. There are legitimate concerns that need to be addressed here. Ad homenim attacks on Trump are the wrong response.
8
Have the mayors considered they are possibly preaching to the wrong crowd? The cities you represent are at the forefront of three countries that have large non-native populations. In fact, we're living in a moment where the percentage of the population that is foreign born is at one of itsoccasional peaks.
I'm not sure that the host countries, which also happen to be at the forefront of human progress, need to prove their bona fides with regards to welcoming the world. But the theme of this essay would seem to indicate that the host countries are unaware, and also that unfettered immigration is somehow an unadulterated good.
Notably absent from your writing is any acknowledgement of what responsibilities may be incumbent on the immigrant to integrate into the society they've moved to. In most cases, they bring a cultural influence that can enrich the host country. In other significant cases, they bring a backwardness that has no place in the civilized world. Culture matters - many are immigrating because the cultures they're leaving are toxic and leave no door open to human progress.
There is one particularly toxic cultural influence that stands against a great deal of the human progress your countries have made in the past century, and promotes backwardness in women's rights, education, and other values we're rightfully proud of - Mr. Khan, perhaps you have heard of this influence. The 1st World is within its rights to be choosy about who it lets in from here.
I'm not sure that the host countries, which also happen to be at the forefront of human progress, need to prove their bona fides with regards to welcoming the world. But the theme of this essay would seem to indicate that the host countries are unaware, and also that unfettered immigration is somehow an unadulterated good.
Notably absent from your writing is any acknowledgement of what responsibilities may be incumbent on the immigrant to integrate into the society they've moved to. In most cases, they bring a cultural influence that can enrich the host country. In other significant cases, they bring a backwardness that has no place in the civilized world. Culture matters - many are immigrating because the cultures they're leaving are toxic and leave no door open to human progress.
There is one particularly toxic cultural influence that stands against a great deal of the human progress your countries have made in the past century, and promotes backwardness in women's rights, education, and other values we're rightfully proud of - Mr. Khan, perhaps you have heard of this influence. The 1st World is within its rights to be choosy about who it lets in from here.
80
When millions of people left eastern Europe to escape WW11 they were met at the docks in NYC, taught the language, the monetary system and how to get a job, pay rent etc. An ID system is an absolute must. Then we know who is here where they live, who their kids and family members are and we can collect taxes from the money they earn. All immigrants legal or otherwise should have this type of identification, oh wait is that called a social security number? If we collected $100. from the existing so called illegal aliens, all 11 million of them (well it was 11 million a while back, could be more now but let's just use that number) that would be 11,000,000 x$100. or 1,000,000,000. 1 Billion dollars. WE could build a bridge or two with that money, maybe a few schools. And that is if we only collect $100. in taxes per immigrant. Let's say we collect $1,000. per immigrant in taxes? Is that too optimistic? BY doing nothing Congress and the house are hemoraging billions in tax revenues every year. Forget about penalties, let's just start collecting taxes ASAP and use the money wisely. Let the population vote on what we spend it on, like in London.
13
Miilions of europeans did not come to the US fleeing WW2, or even WW I
They came long before that.
They came long before that.
3
That is right and they made what America is today!
Brave leaders speak out with courage and honesty. What a refreshing display of real leadership. Our nations have never hidden from challenges that require sacrifice to do what is right and just.
While timid and frightened leaders of all stripes cower in fear and greed, they forget immigrants provide far more rewards than liabilities. In the US, the investment required to help new immigrants returned dividends many times over the original cost.
Those who shout take care of our own first must consider that is a course we, in the US, have deliberately not followed for nearly a generation. Good news to hear those most opposed to investing in our own people would like to begin now.
Great, let’s do it along with welcoming those most in need and willing to accept the difficult wrenching task of relocating to alien cultures. It is not that the richest nations on earth cannot invest in its people, native and immigrant; it is that they will not.
While timid and frightened leaders of all stripes cower in fear and greed, they forget immigrants provide far more rewards than liabilities. In the US, the investment required to help new immigrants returned dividends many times over the original cost.
Those who shout take care of our own first must consider that is a course we, in the US, have deliberately not followed for nearly a generation. Good news to hear those most opposed to investing in our own people would like to begin now.
Great, let’s do it along with welcoming those most in need and willing to accept the difficult wrenching task of relocating to alien cultures. It is not that the richest nations on earth cannot invest in its people, native and immigrant; it is that they will not.
8
Immigrants are our strength so long as they come to work for the best interests of our country and its people and recognize that what makes the U.S and western democracies strong and desirable places to live is our belief in freedom, equality, and secularism.
No form of human organization is perfect but post Enlightenment Europe and the U.S have achieved so much in terms of general human betterment historically that we cannot allow those who still cling to traditional, tribal or theocratic medieval belief systems to undermine all that has been gained.
Immigrants are our strength only so far as they do not destroy secularism, democracy and social progress. Their freedom should not be used for anyone's oppression.
No form of human organization is perfect but post Enlightenment Europe and the U.S have achieved so much in terms of general human betterment historically that we cannot allow those who still cling to traditional, tribal or theocratic medieval belief systems to undermine all that has been gained.
Immigrants are our strength only so far as they do not destroy secularism, democracy and social progress. Their freedom should not be used for anyone's oppression.
89
I totally agree with you that a huge part of what makes the US successful is freedom, equality, and secularism. However, I see more efforts to destroy secularism by Evangelical Christians than I do Muslim immigrants in this country.
2
Evangelical Christians have been trying to insert their beliefs into public policy forever and have been largely denied on the strength of the Constitutional separation of Church and State and the supremacy of civil law, civil rights and equality. Not perfect but generally working.
The challenge of Islam is completely different in that the 'freedom to practice religion' requires theocracy and adherence to religious law over civil law in any society which includes the active subjugation of women just as a start.
Worse, the chorus of apologists, who rightly castigate the Evangelical Christians for their attempted incursions, defend Muslims for theirs.
That's the real danger to modern liberalism; the total acquiescence by those who should be loudly fighting for liberal principles rather than surrendering them under some completely idiotic notion of 'tolerance'.
The challenge of Islam is completely different in that the 'freedom to practice religion' requires theocracy and adherence to religious law over civil law in any society which includes the active subjugation of women just as a start.
Worse, the chorus of apologists, who rightly castigate the Evangelical Christians for their attempted incursions, defend Muslims for theirs.
That's the real danger to modern liberalism; the total acquiescence by those who should be loudly fighting for liberal principles rather than surrendering them under some completely idiotic notion of 'tolerance'.
3
Beautifully said.
3
Why don't these three people promote multiculturalism in the 56 Islamic countries the world is blessed with? Surely those countries are more in need of vibrancy and diversity than Western countries are.
208
There are many Americans and Europeans that have gone the other way, but we never call them immigrants nor were they ever asked to integrate and blend in. Matter of fact, there is an element of coolness about when non natives remain different and continue to be themselves. The focus should be solely on making sure that people obey the laws of the land and that they feel welcome unless of course they came here illegally. Major western cities can't thrive with a closed border. So, if you are from anywhere but NY, Chicago, SF and LA, very few care to live where you are. Let us citizens of big metropolitan cities decide what to do. The rest of you should stay happily quiet away from the immigrants.
1
Keep telling yourself that and hope when the "immigrants" come for you and yours, they recognize you as a good progressive (useful idiot) and a New York contributor and move on to the next kafir.
77
I don't know if anyone has noticed: 1. The Chelsea bomber was spotted by a first generation, brown skin immigrant who owns two businesses and is a naturalized citizen. 2. The first police officer to confront the bomber (and got shot in the process) is the son of (brown skin) latino immigrants.
20
And the bomber was a first generation immigrant.
7
No, I hadn't noticed that. i was too focused on the fact that the bomber was an immigrant and trying to reconcile the mayors' contention that "militant violence is vanishingly rare" with the fact that three occasions of militant violence just occurred in New York, New Jersey, and Minnesota.
8
Look at the open space, the green, the temperate climate and, then look at an often inhospitable, dry, damaged, war torn world, where else are refugees going? The values they bring are as diverse as my own and I hope at least as constant, and more importantly shared in wisdom and maybe even love.
2
This intelligent and humane piece addresses some of the economic anxieties that fuel the hostility to immigration. Opponents of immigration tend to view the economic impact of new arrivals in zero/sum terms. Their employment automatically costs jobs for native-born Americans. To the extent that immigrants create businesses, however, they promote growth in employment opportunities. The size of the economic pie is not fixed.
The authors do not, on the other hand, deal with the cultural fears of native-born citizens. In the cosmopolitan cities these mayors lead, such anxieties may not excite much political controversy, but the people of the more conservative hinterlands would not share that tolerant attitude. Trump's candidacy, in particular, has mobilized a pre-existing hostility to the cultural change represented by both Muslim and Hispanic immigrants.
Fear of cultural change has always played a major role in American xenophobia. The absurd notion that Islamic law will somehow replace American legal principles offers a major example of this kind of anxiety. Logic alone will not overcome this prejudice. As in the case of earlier waves of immigration, only time and experience will convince many Americans that the new arrivals do not represent a threat to our way of life.
The authors do not, on the other hand, deal with the cultural fears of native-born citizens. In the cosmopolitan cities these mayors lead, such anxieties may not excite much political controversy, but the people of the more conservative hinterlands would not share that tolerant attitude. Trump's candidacy, in particular, has mobilized a pre-existing hostility to the cultural change represented by both Muslim and Hispanic immigrants.
Fear of cultural change has always played a major role in American xenophobia. The absurd notion that Islamic law will somehow replace American legal principles offers a major example of this kind of anxiety. Logic alone will not overcome this prejudice. As in the case of earlier waves of immigration, only time and experience will convince many Americans that the new arrivals do not represent a threat to our way of life.
5
You're right: many of us fear particular cultural changes, which have already occurred in Europe and Great Britain. Specifically, we fear the imposition of "hate speech" laws that would preclude us from criticizing Islam. Such laws are currently being used all over Europe and Great Britain to suppress free speech, in the name of promoting a "peaceful multi-cultural society." Mark my words, as the Islamic presence increases in America, we will see more calls for curtailing our First Amendment rights. In fact, it is already happening in college campuses all over the U.S. Of course, we fear the imposition of other parts of Sharia also, but loss of our First Amendment rights would be the beginning of sorrows.
6
Britain, France and United States are lands of immigrants and of course immigrants are vital not only to the economies of the countries but contribute to the cultural and culinary diversity of these countries. But when a minuscule minority enter these countries and immigrate or even visit these lands of golden opportunities there has to be careful vetting to ensure that all the people of the rest of the world entering these countries are screened not only when they enter but over a length of time and whenever they return from conflicted areas of the world or areas which are safe havens for terrorists. I remember being questioned on landing at the Tel Aviv airport once and once on returning from visiting to the USA, from a middle eastern country once. Although I felt temporarily offended as to why me (other than I had a golden tan) of all the people, I did understand the need to profile and be pulled for questioning. That is just the times we live in and if that is what it takes to keep the rest of the country safe, no skin off my back and so be it.
11
We are not talking about diversity. I live and work in one of the most diverse cities in the world. I grew up, and still live in Washington DC. Diversity is the norm and long time residents don't give it a second thought.
As an American, I don't care how many refugees are allowed to enter and live in our country but I do care that they are properly vetted and we are not capable of that at this point. I do care that we don't accept people as citizens who have beliefs that conflict with American beliefs. Sounds harsh I know, but I would never have accepted members from the IRA, JDL or the Mafia either.
As an American, I don't care how many refugees are allowed to enter and live in our country but I do care that they are properly vetted and we are not capable of that at this point. I do care that we don't accept people as citizens who have beliefs that conflict with American beliefs. Sounds harsh I know, but I would never have accepted members from the IRA, JDL or the Mafia either.
17
What exactly constitutes "conflict with American beliefs"? I am feeling a little disturbed by the blanket statements I am seeing here on this topic. Do Jewish Americans who don't believe in working during the Sabbath conflict with the traditional American work ethic? I know plenty of Americans who have been here for generations whose religious beliefs conflict with what I perceive to be true American values (i.e. separation of church and state, gender equality, etc.), but that's the beauty of our country - people have the freedom to believe whatever they want, as long as they don't violate the constitutional rights of others. It's pretty absurd that people think Islamic law will somehow replace American legal principles.
1
A while back on these pages Bono opined something similar: moral imperative to help refugees.
Of course in the circles he frequents, he will not be impacted by any of this: stress on the town to accomodate or degradation in the school as it copes with kids who have not had a good education or the uptick in violence as new folks assimilate.
It smacked of such elitism. As part of the global 0.001% elitist his holding companies will get cheap labor and he can talk up his compassion at cocktail parties and other "well-meaning" folks will put his name in for a Nobel prize....
Of course in the circles he frequents, he will not be impacted by any of this: stress on the town to accomodate or degradation in the school as it copes with kids who have not had a good education or the uptick in violence as new folks assimilate.
It smacked of such elitism. As part of the global 0.001% elitist his holding companies will get cheap labor and he can talk up his compassion at cocktail parties and other "well-meaning" folks will put his name in for a Nobel prize....
44
Just like the fine Gov of MN who told his own citizens that if they do not like the immigration policy to go find another state to live in. What a great country we have where the needs and concerns of the citizens are pushed aside in favor of immigrants and refugee's. Of course none there will affect the good Gov Dayton so why should he care.
5
As President Obama rightfully said, "unless you are a Native American, somebody brought you here" to the U.S.
We love you Mr. President.
We love you Mr. President.
11
Too bad he is too ignorant to know that even the so called native americans immigrated here. Historically, theories about migration into the Americas have centered on migration from Beringia through the interior of North America.
5
Not all immigrants are an asset. Would Mr. de Blasio allow just anyone to move into his residence? Of course not. Then why should the US admit anyone with a pulse?
92
I would be more for immigration if new immigrants were banned from living in New York City for the next five years. The streets, sidewalks and subways are packed to the gills, as the city's population soars.
And of course the mayor's solution is to build more affordable housing, which just brings even more people in the city. Enough is enough.
And of course the mayor's solution is to build more affordable housing, which just brings even more people in the city. Enough is enough.
15
Me thinks the problem lies not in whether WE, as civilized members of a modern society, prove, beyond the limits of imagination and resources, our willingness to welcome and integrate immigrants into it. It's whether the immigrant wants and WISHES to integrate fully into that society, instead of just wanting the benefits, but not the responsibilities. I'm an immigrant, and feel more American than apple pie. Why? Because I was given the OPPORTUNITY to change my life for the better, I took it and with a lot of sacrifice, hard work, perseverance, and no College Degree was able to succeed. I'll always be GRATEFUL for that, even when faced with racism and prejudice along the way. For me; it's ironic that so many hate America, its flag, and its values, but wouldn't give the benefits of being an American Citizen away.
173
In order for immigrants to integrate into American society, we must first embrace them, as well as the culture they bring along with them.
2
I'm not 'embracing a culture' that treats women as subservient to men and justifies the killing of homosexuals. - proudly 'intolerant' liberal.
4
Our illegal immigrants, "our" strength against the current rule of law.
27
With all due respect to the three mayors, you are talking around the issue of "they who must not be named."
The failure to talk to the issue is why we are seeing a rebirth of strident nationalism in our countries and a distrust of elected officials such as yourselves.
If you "know that policies that embrace diversity and promote inclusion are successful," then why have each of your cities been the targets of Islamic terrorists?
What is so fundamentally different about some, not all, Muslims living in liberal secular democracies from other immigrants that some Muslims choose to murder and maim innocent people? In the name of god?
You will get no argument from thinking people that for the most part immigrants into our three nations have contributed to our national culture and prosperity. There is real virtue in many aspects of diversity. Not all. Certainly not Sharia.
As the current world situation with regard to Islamic immigrants aptly demonstrates, something fundamentally different is going on.
For whatever reason, too many of the current generations of Muslims who immigrate into our countries choose not to assimilate. Sharia values are antithetical to the liberties of the human spirit birthed in the west and nurtured through the centuries.
Even without the accompanying terrorists who find safe harbors in such centers as Molenbeek, sharia values are not welcome in secular societies. Neither as a de jure theocracy nor as a de facto neighborhood theocracy.
The failure to talk to the issue is why we are seeing a rebirth of strident nationalism in our countries and a distrust of elected officials such as yourselves.
If you "know that policies that embrace diversity and promote inclusion are successful," then why have each of your cities been the targets of Islamic terrorists?
What is so fundamentally different about some, not all, Muslims living in liberal secular democracies from other immigrants that some Muslims choose to murder and maim innocent people? In the name of god?
You will get no argument from thinking people that for the most part immigrants into our three nations have contributed to our national culture and prosperity. There is real virtue in many aspects of diversity. Not all. Certainly not Sharia.
As the current world situation with regard to Islamic immigrants aptly demonstrates, something fundamentally different is going on.
For whatever reason, too many of the current generations of Muslims who immigrate into our countries choose not to assimilate. Sharia values are antithetical to the liberties of the human spirit birthed in the west and nurtured through the centuries.
Even without the accompanying terrorists who find safe harbors in such centers as Molenbeek, sharia values are not welcome in secular societies. Neither as a de jure theocracy nor as a de facto neighborhood theocracy.
44
Ignore these ignoramuses, always at the ready to defend the miscreant, the islamist, the racial huckster, the cop-hater and a broken immigration system purposely kept a failure by their corporate friends who underwrite their campaigns while sending American jobs overseas and keeping their profits away from our Treasury Department. Wake up deluded citizens. You are being fed lies every day by those whose interests are not at all the same as ours, as they serve the forces of globalization and dehumanization. The signs are everywhere; dispense with your silly identity politics and put down your lattes before a robot takes your job, the bank takes your house and the elite hijack your family's future.
41
The Statue of Liberty remains one of America's most potent symbols. It represents freedom, democracy, the pursuit of happiness all governed by the rule of law. How many immigrants sailed past it knowing, for the first time, that finally they had the chance to live a dignified life, free of tyranny and prejudice? Is America' greatness today not almost entirely defined by those immigrants?
If the Statue of Liberty no longer defines America to Americans - and all people of the world - please tell me what does?
If the Statue of Liberty no longer defines America to Americans - and all people of the world - please tell me what does?
7
It’s the proper obligation of societies that accept immigrants to effectively and humanely integrate them. That self-evident claim consumes most of the words offered in this op-ed, but that doesn’t appear to be the real message of these three mayors, does it? That real message appears to be that wealthy countries should open their borders and absorb teeming millions of economic and strife-created global refugees.
It’s becoming a popular stealth argument for the real objective of blurring when not actually erasing national frontiers.
Immigrants who enter as a consequence of immigration laws that take many things into account, such as the ability of the culture to assimilate them and the ability of society to provide the services necessary to assist in mainstreaming them, certainly have enriched NYC and America generally – as they’ve enriched London (but to a far lesser extent Paris). Yet illegal immigrants in the U.S. have been numerous, divisive, expensive and destabilizing – not to mention violative of our laws; and this is precisely what France, Britain and other European countries fear as they face an enormous influx of refugees as would-be immigrants.
If the three mayors’ real objective is to argue for open borders, they should just say so – the likelihood is high that they would be pilloried within their nations if they did, but that’s their right. It’s a viewpoint. But it’s not one that’s likely to generate immense sympathy.
It’s becoming a popular stealth argument for the real objective of blurring when not actually erasing national frontiers.
Immigrants who enter as a consequence of immigration laws that take many things into account, such as the ability of the culture to assimilate them and the ability of society to provide the services necessary to assist in mainstreaming them, certainly have enriched NYC and America generally – as they’ve enriched London (but to a far lesser extent Paris). Yet illegal immigrants in the U.S. have been numerous, divisive, expensive and destabilizing – not to mention violative of our laws; and this is precisely what France, Britain and other European countries fear as they face an enormous influx of refugees as would-be immigrants.
If the three mayors’ real objective is to argue for open borders, they should just say so – the likelihood is high that they would be pilloried within their nations if they did, but that’s their right. It’s a viewpoint. But it’s not one that’s likely to generate immense sympathy.
26
Consider the numbers: the cost to raise a child in the US or England to the age of 18 is over $ 200,000, not to mention the cost of educating a medical doctor. In England there are 2,2 million working EU citizens whose net contribution to the state coffers is about 33 billion dollars annually. OK, the UK contributes to EU's budget with a little less than 10 billion annually, but that still leaves UK with a surplus of $ 22 billion. These are numbers that cannot be twisted but only by wicked populists plying lies to an ignorant and jingoistic crowd.
In the States the benefits of immigration is beyond accounting. Immigrants Made America Great.
Now lets take a look at the countries that raised and trained these millions of immigrants, only to loose them. How do they benefit? The sad answer is they don't. Hospitals are left without doctors and nurses, who find employment in the West, so are the programmers and other highly educated individuals. The brain drain that ensues is the most horrible and destabilizing outcome.
And look at yet another utterly destabilizing fact. Where are the weapons that are used in the Middle East conflicts made? Aren't the US and UK the greatest beneficiaries of immigration and the main reason for this ungodly mess and the flood of refugees? From Eastern Europe to the Middle East, immigration is a problem confected by the malice and maligned policies of US and UK leaders.
In the States the benefits of immigration is beyond accounting. Immigrants Made America Great.
Now lets take a look at the countries that raised and trained these millions of immigrants, only to loose them. How do they benefit? The sad answer is they don't. Hospitals are left without doctors and nurses, who find employment in the West, so are the programmers and other highly educated individuals. The brain drain that ensues is the most horrible and destabilizing outcome.
And look at yet another utterly destabilizing fact. Where are the weapons that are used in the Middle East conflicts made? Aren't the US and UK the greatest beneficiaries of immigration and the main reason for this ungodly mess and the flood of refugees? From Eastern Europe to the Middle East, immigration is a problem confected by the malice and maligned policies of US and UK leaders.
Let's not confound things. One thing is immigrants who bring new life, ideas, vibrancy and contributions to our cities. Another is a religion whose texts mandate violence against unbelievers as part of an effort to conquer all others. People are fine with the first, but (bomb after bomb after stabbing after shooting...) increasingly awaking to the perils of the second. We have a right to resist any ideology which mandates violence. Hiding our heads in the sand won't do.
276
You are making a sweeping generalization of Islam here. The old testament is full of violence. The number of people participating in extremist Islam is minuscule compared to the millions of Muslims who condemn violence in the name of their religion. I hope that one day, American society will embrace the traditions of American Muslims, just like I see Greek-American, Italian-American, and Indian-American, fairs and festivals nowadays.
It isn't a person's religion or religious beliefs that are the reasons behind modern terrorism. It is the culture of these people. A culture that denigrates anyone who isn't the same and doesn't hold the same beliefs. A culture which focuses on the differences between us.
3
Substitute mass shooting after mass shooting for bomb or stabbing and you might understand no religion has a monopoly on violence. This belief of "radical Islam", much like many misunderstood issue we see everyday in the U.S. is a cardboard cutout of a shadow of the real issue.
However, I would say you need to look deeper than religion, because really it is more about hope or lack thereof that leads people to commit these acts. No religious text justifies this violence, it is more about people's twisting of religion as an entry point to use people for things that have nothing to do with religion.
However, I would say you need to look deeper than religion, because really it is more about hope or lack thereof that leads people to commit these acts. No religious text justifies this violence, it is more about people's twisting of religion as an entry point to use people for things that have nothing to do with religion.
11
Our leaders have to take a longer view. I have no doubt that many, if not most, of the economic migrants that want to reach the West are peaceful.
But will their children be? Their grandchildren?
The world is facing a terror problem right now- it seems to be related to a specific religion. The folks that choose that religion have their own culture. They have their own belief system. That culture, and belief system. does not seem compatible with my values- like treating women equally, not murdering gay people, not stoning people to death, not killing apostates and not making insulting religion a crime.
I want to help people too. I want everyone to have a safe life. But the answer to the problems of people hurting economically cannot be to shift tens of millions of people from one place to another. No- we must help these people in their home countries.
I like my culture and I like Western values. I want to defend them and, by extension, protect the people of my society. It is not that I have no compassion for people that want to make more money- it is just that I have MORE compassion, and more obligation, towards my fellow citizens.
Let the economic migrants stay in their home countries. I wish them luck in solving their own problems.
But will their children be? Their grandchildren?
The world is facing a terror problem right now- it seems to be related to a specific religion. The folks that choose that religion have their own culture. They have their own belief system. That culture, and belief system. does not seem compatible with my values- like treating women equally, not murdering gay people, not stoning people to death, not killing apostates and not making insulting religion a crime.
I want to help people too. I want everyone to have a safe life. But the answer to the problems of people hurting economically cannot be to shift tens of millions of people from one place to another. No- we must help these people in their home countries.
I like my culture and I like Western values. I want to defend them and, by extension, protect the people of my society. It is not that I have no compassion for people that want to make more money- it is just that I have MORE compassion, and more obligation, towards my fellow citizens.
Let the economic migrants stay in their home countries. I wish them luck in solving their own problems.
41
I have no direct experience with refugee immigrants. I listen to NPR while driving. One woman in Germany said that the immigrants there were forcing their lifestyle upon her, and that she wanted to stamp on their faces.
17
It seems that NYT articles are always trying to foist upon the West large-scale immigration without thinking through the consequences, such as the impact on culture, values, and way-of-life. These articles either try to justify immigration using simplistic economic rationale or by appealing to our base emotions. A country should not allow in immigrants or refugees who will not or can not assimilate in that country's culture. In principle, it would be better if Immigrants or refugees go to countries with a similar culture, language, or religion.
102
I don't know about London and New York, but having spent several weeks this summer in Paris in the eighteenth arrondissement, I fear this is rosy take on the situation there is wildly optimistic wishful thinking.
66
Very good. See also the Stockholm suburbs of Tensta, Husby. Perhaps the mayors of these cities could talk to people who lived in Beirut, Lebanon, before 1975. It was a beautiful place. 30 years of muslim infighting and terrorism left a very small Christian population. Our immigrants, our strength? What rubbish.
11
I am all for helping refugees resettle. But having lived in all three of these cities, I find it ironic that only the very rich and desperate asylum seekers can afford to live there anymore.
15
This seems to be about diversity in global capitals. Diversity surely makes these mega cities richer and more vibrant. Immigration policies need to also be about the capacity of the social welfare infrastructure. Responding to racists or xenophobes is wrong but being concerned about controlling the borders (an immigration policy without reasonable border control is like having a policy about how much it can rain - nice exercise with no impact on reality) and about allowing immigration at rates that don't overwhelm the social welfare infrastructure are fair concerns. In Austria Hofer was called a neonazi but Merkel and the EU are forcing Kanten and Bergenland to accept far too many immigrants while Europe does nothing to attack the real problem (the Assad government and rebels causing the refugees to flee). The refugees need housing, healthcare, education, and work. Austria has very high standards for social welfare. Is it racist to point out the fundamental tension there or the flaw in the narrow policy that just says "take and care for more?" All of that is very much *not* related to the banal observation that global cities are rich multicultural places.
8
Why? Why? Why is it SO IMPORTANT to the elites of this country to have OPEN BORDERS? Is it just about the cheap labor or WHAT? God, give it up already, NYT Editorial Board. I think you must sevretly WANT a President Trump despite all your protestations.
72
There is a distinction between an economic migrant and a war refugee. The vast majority of recent immigration in Europe have been economic migrants. The US has plenty of economic migrants coming in from south of the border. We do not want or need more, especially from a culture which despises Western values.
25
Immigrants that assimilate with our culture (and don't try to blow us up) are certainly welcome. We just need to make sure we have the infrastructure and jobs to allow them to succeed. If there's no jobs and they just get welfare for 30 years, that doesn't help anybody.
10
Bill de Blasio is a disgrace. According to a NYT February 5, 2016 article, there were 75,323 sheltered and unsheltered homeless people, which includes children, living in New York City in 2015. And Mr. Mayor wants to invite the world to come here?
After you feed, house, provide medical care, educate and ensure a living wage for every American citizen, then this bleeding - heart liberalism works for me.
And, yes, I am a Democrat, who recognizes the extraordinary contributions that immigrants have made to America. And, yes, my family immigrated here just like yours.
But, save America, before you save the world, Mr. de Blasio. I'm not remotely against legal immigration, what I am against is children growing up in homeless shelters.
And let's not forget that every 34 minutes, somewhere in America, someone is murdered. But de Blasio's toxic altruism ain't gonna fix that..never. Hey, we're talking about a man who won't call bombs that exploded and were left around NYC and NJ...terrorism.
My greatest fear is that when the NYT, and other mainstream media puts out these PC articles, like this one, it drives voters to Trump--they are that outraged. You know, for the first time, I believe Trump just might win. I am distraught.
I implore the New York Times to just stop. Thank You.
After you feed, house, provide medical care, educate and ensure a living wage for every American citizen, then this bleeding - heart liberalism works for me.
And, yes, I am a Democrat, who recognizes the extraordinary contributions that immigrants have made to America. And, yes, my family immigrated here just like yours.
But, save America, before you save the world, Mr. de Blasio. I'm not remotely against legal immigration, what I am against is children growing up in homeless shelters.
And let's not forget that every 34 minutes, somewhere in America, someone is murdered. But de Blasio's toxic altruism ain't gonna fix that..never. Hey, we're talking about a man who won't call bombs that exploded and were left around NYC and NJ...terrorism.
My greatest fear is that when the NYT, and other mainstream media puts out these PC articles, like this one, it drives voters to Trump--they are that outraged. You know, for the first time, I believe Trump just might win. I am distraught.
I implore the New York Times to just stop. Thank You.
130
I second the motion in all respects. The same people who wail about Trump are the open border advocates who never have to suffer the ill affects of massive numbers of the undocumented flooding communities that can barely meet their budgets every year. People love to rail about the republicans but I blame the democrats for Trump as much as I do the other side. And I too fear a Trump presidency. Why is it that we can't have a smart, nuanced conversation about the illegal immigration problem. It's all or nothing it seems. I do recall however that we have laws in place to deal with this. Our leaders, for a variety of reasons, just don't have the will.
7
Well said. Thank you.
3
Bill de Blasio’s grandparents were immigrants. Sadiq Khan’s parents were immigrants. Anne Hidalgo is herself an immigrant; indeed, she’s still a Spanish citizen as well as French. What does that say about the national stereotypes?
2
It's difficult if not impossible for many people to feel compassion for those who enter their country illegally, as the millions of Latinos have done in the USA, and then engage in taking jobs and engaging in cartel-related drug dealing. Let alone those whose "religion" tells them to wage war and deal out death on the natives they are attempting to displace. Sorry, but we aren't drinking the Koolaid anymore.
53
First let me state that Bill DeBlasio has no business authoring any article about the concerns of immigrants or anyone else. He has NO concern about the needs or desires of anyone but the big developers who finance his campaigns and god knows what else. His "progressive voice" is one of a wolf in sheep's clothing. I don't about his co authors.
Second as usual the authors are more concerned about those who don't live in their cities than those who do. Don't citizens of a country and residents of a city have any right to call upon their leaders to consider their needs!
Third, all immigrants are not created equal.....some are legally working through the system; others are not. It makes a difference. Yes, it does.
Fourth, refugees have an obligation to stop and register at the first place of safety. That isn't happening.
Fifth, and I speak from some experience, many refugees fri the ME isolate themselves by refusing to speak the language or assimilate into the host culture. They clearly and definitely mark theslves apart and then object that other humans notice that they are different.
My immigrant ancestors taught themselves English and made it a point of pride to become Americans. It wasn't always rosey. They had to change their names but they stuck to it and now we celebrate them. When one comes to the US or any host country, one should put away the old word problems and beliefs and grasp hold of the ideals that made the US (or host country) your goal.
Second as usual the authors are more concerned about those who don't live in their cities than those who do. Don't citizens of a country and residents of a city have any right to call upon their leaders to consider their needs!
Third, all immigrants are not created equal.....some are legally working through the system; others are not. It makes a difference. Yes, it does.
Fourth, refugees have an obligation to stop and register at the first place of safety. That isn't happening.
Fifth, and I speak from some experience, many refugees fri the ME isolate themselves by refusing to speak the language or assimilate into the host culture. They clearly and definitely mark theslves apart and then object that other humans notice that they are different.
My immigrant ancestors taught themselves English and made it a point of pride to become Americans. It wasn't always rosey. They had to change their names but they stuck to it and now we celebrate them. When one comes to the US or any host country, one should put away the old word problems and beliefs and grasp hold of the ideals that made the US (or host country) your goal.
253
But a big question is why de Blasio is mayor in the first place? It is because in response to the nonsense coming from the Democrats, Republicans often offer worse nonsense coming from the other side.
True, some Republicans have succeeded and produced good mayors. The much maligned Giuliani did much to make New York a safe city. I remember being terrified to take the lines 2 and 5 before Giuliani was mayor. Now I take them without hesitation. Bloomberg was also a good mayor though I wonder if he really was a Republican.
The Republican party and the independents have to put up good candidates to oppose people like de Blasio. I personally think that both de Blasio and Obama are good men. But they do NOT really represent the city or the country.
The reason they are in office is that Republicans have, or sound like they have, written off everyone who is female or does not have a white skin.
I do not think this is true. Republican racism is 25% truth and 75% Democratic story. But they story needs to be countered.
Hispanics are mostly conservative. And a very large proportion of African Americans go regularly to church. They need a party and the Republicans are closer to their real values than the Democrats are.
Will Republicans learn? I do not know.
True, some Republicans have succeeded and produced good mayors. The much maligned Giuliani did much to make New York a safe city. I remember being terrified to take the lines 2 and 5 before Giuliani was mayor. Now I take them without hesitation. Bloomberg was also a good mayor though I wonder if he really was a Republican.
The Republican party and the independents have to put up good candidates to oppose people like de Blasio. I personally think that both de Blasio and Obama are good men. But they do NOT really represent the city or the country.
The reason they are in office is that Republicans have, or sound like they have, written off everyone who is female or does not have a white skin.
I do not think this is true. Republican racism is 25% truth and 75% Democratic story. But they story needs to be countered.
Hispanics are mostly conservative. And a very large proportion of African Americans go regularly to church. They need a party and the Republicans are closer to their real values than the Democrats are.
Will Republicans learn? I do not know.
1
I agree with all your points, except the first. I think you're confusing de Blasio with Bloomberg there.
2
You mean ideals like tolerance and being a melting pot and respect for diversity?
First generation immigrants often have difficulty learning the language and new customs; that usually happens in subsequent generations.How fast it happens is not disconnected from how readily the larger society allows it to happen.
First generation immigrants often have difficulty learning the language and new customs; that usually happens in subsequent generations.How fast it happens is not disconnected from how readily the larger society allows it to happen.
3
De Blasio is the grandchild of immigrants, Khan is the son of immigrants and Hidalgo herself is an immigrant. All three prove that immigrants add to the nations they find homes in.
3
Well, some comments urging who should be taken care of first are well understood, but even when the basic tenet under the three mayors' statement for helping the endangered refugees and immigrants--that they are beneficial to our lives in certain ways--were not met, I belive, the humanitarian efforts shoud be continued since they did not choose their birth place either, as we did no particular virtues to live in the three major cities in the first place.
1
Leave it to 3 immigrant mayors to combine forces to tell Middle America, la France profonde, the Heartland of England, how to think and what to think.
The future belongs to the children of Trump, Le Pen, and Brexit, and America, France and Britain and looking at the metropolitan elites of NY, Paris and London getting smaller and smaller in the rear-view mirror.
The future belongs to the children of Trump, Le Pen, and Brexit, and America, France and Britain and looking at the metropolitan elites of NY, Paris and London getting smaller and smaller in the rear-view mirror.
16
You wish. Progress since the beginning of civilization has always been made in the urban centers of the world's cultures, despite being dragged backwards by the like of Trump, Le Pen and other small-minded, reactionary forces. Your people may win the battle, but believe me, we will win the war.
2
The Lady in the Harbor must be shedding tears.
To think that her very own New York City, this welcoming and vibrant garden of diversity, has produced a noxious weed such as Donald Trump!
Please - don't make America hate again.
To think that her very own New York City, this welcoming and vibrant garden of diversity, has produced a noxious weed such as Donald Trump!
Please - don't make America hate again.
4
Opposing immigration is forgetting how we became who we are.
Historically influxes of immigrants have spawned expansion and economic growth. Immigrants produce, pay taxes, and consume.
Adults immigrating have been educated and/or have acquired job skills, and are showing energy and initiative in coming to a new place to make their way. Many become business owners or are otherwise high achievers.
Our population density is low compared to the rest of the world, fewer than 100/sq. mi. We have room.
We have an aging population and a low birth rate. The social programs necessary to support our elderly and disabled will benefit from a larger productive workforce.
While there will be bad apples, there are in any group irrespective of whether they are immigrant or native born. It's distortion for immigration opponents to point to individual bad acts or characterize whole classes of people as criminals when statistically they don't differ from natives in this regard.
Too many grasp simple answers to complex problems and are motivated to do so, at least in part, by basest fear. It's the Mexicans, it's the Muslims, etc.
Our national interests favor an inclusive immigration policy - not simply throwing open the doors, but developing the infrastructure to accommodate much larger numbers.
Perhaps most compelling is basic humanity - how can we turn away refugees who are fleeing horrendous violence for their and their children's lives. Is our national character now selfishness?
Historically influxes of immigrants have spawned expansion and economic growth. Immigrants produce, pay taxes, and consume.
Adults immigrating have been educated and/or have acquired job skills, and are showing energy and initiative in coming to a new place to make their way. Many become business owners or are otherwise high achievers.
Our population density is low compared to the rest of the world, fewer than 100/sq. mi. We have room.
We have an aging population and a low birth rate. The social programs necessary to support our elderly and disabled will benefit from a larger productive workforce.
While there will be bad apples, there are in any group irrespective of whether they are immigrant or native born. It's distortion for immigration opponents to point to individual bad acts or characterize whole classes of people as criminals when statistically they don't differ from natives in this regard.
Too many grasp simple answers to complex problems and are motivated to do so, at least in part, by basest fear. It's the Mexicans, it's the Muslims, etc.
Our national interests favor an inclusive immigration policy - not simply throwing open the doors, but developing the infrastructure to accommodate much larger numbers.
Perhaps most compelling is basic humanity - how can we turn away refugees who are fleeing horrendous violence for their and their children's lives. Is our national character now selfishness?
4
The individuals this piece (of tripe) so proudly champions are just like cigarettes. One, or even couple of hundred, is not going to kill you. But if you inhale ten thousand, a hundred thousand, several million, sooner or later one of those will.
Let's treat our nation as a wise person treats his/her body. We ingest many substances that have proven to be beneficial to health and growth, and are encouraged to eschew those that are not.
So it should be with America. By all means, let's take in people who have proven they will be, or at least have significant potential to be, a benefit to our national health while staunchly rejecting all others.
Let's treat our nation as a wise person treats his/her body. We ingest many substances that have proven to be beneficial to health and growth, and are encouraged to eschew those that are not.
So it should be with America. By all means, let's take in people who have proven they will be, or at least have significant potential to be, a benefit to our national health while staunchly rejecting all others.
17
"But it is wrong to characterize immigrant and refugee communities as radical and dangerous; in our experience, militant violence is vanishingly rare."
This is a bold statement for Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to make in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo and Bataclan shootings.
Not to mention, she is mayor of Paris proper, which is about the equivalent of Manhattan and the near-shore neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The socioeconomic reality of Parisian life also encompasses the northern and eastern suburbs, the social tissues of which are nothing to be proud of. Of course, cutting these areas out of the city administration was intentional, as it sequesters the Communist Party and allows prominent Parisian figures such as Hidalgo to disavow responsibility for their dysfunction.
Hidalgo's Socialist Party has also been at the forefront of granting CMU - universal medical coverage - to illegal immigrants, which means in practice that they have no co-payments for any medical visits or routines, unlike French citizens and legal immigrants, many of whom are strained under the brutally and increasingly high cost of living in the few remaining primary markets (including the Paris area).
I cannot speak for London or New York, but Hidalgo is certainly highly disingenuous in taking a minute and selective municipal example for what is a highly regional phenomenon, and the problem of immigration is at any rate national, not regional or municipal, as the medical point mentioned above highlights.
This is a bold statement for Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to make in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo and Bataclan shootings.
Not to mention, she is mayor of Paris proper, which is about the equivalent of Manhattan and the near-shore neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The socioeconomic reality of Parisian life also encompasses the northern and eastern suburbs, the social tissues of which are nothing to be proud of. Of course, cutting these areas out of the city administration was intentional, as it sequesters the Communist Party and allows prominent Parisian figures such as Hidalgo to disavow responsibility for their dysfunction.
Hidalgo's Socialist Party has also been at the forefront of granting CMU - universal medical coverage - to illegal immigrants, which means in practice that they have no co-payments for any medical visits or routines, unlike French citizens and legal immigrants, many of whom are strained under the brutally and increasingly high cost of living in the few remaining primary markets (including the Paris area).
I cannot speak for London or New York, but Hidalgo is certainly highly disingenuous in taking a minute and selective municipal example for what is a highly regional phenomenon, and the problem of immigration is at any rate national, not regional or municipal, as the medical point mentioned above highlights.
39
This star-studded appeal may just be more symbolic than substantive.
As world leaders gather for the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants in New York, the three mayors urge them "to take decisive action to provide relief and safe haven to refugees fleeing conflict and migrants fleeing economic hardship, and to support those who are already doing this work." The irony is that they wouldn't be able to convince their own national leaders to raise the refugee quota, as the issue is unpopular among their citizens.
What is congruous is to help countries like Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey to cope with the millions of refugees in their countries; and to invest in "the integration of refugees and immigrants" who are already in their host countries.
That said, the economic climate poses the biggest obstacle to implementing the afore-mentioned policies. Due to budget cuts, their citizens feel the pinch and resent any aid services provided for refugees and migrants. It's not the world leaders that the mayors need to appeal to, but their citizens too. Moreover talks should be held with the international community, foremost with the rich Sunni Arab states to deal with the Syrian refugees, many of whom are Sunni Muslims. The migrants and refugees should be properly informed of the reality they face, and be prepared to settle down somewhere else other than Western European countries.
As world leaders gather for the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants in New York, the three mayors urge them "to take decisive action to provide relief and safe haven to refugees fleeing conflict and migrants fleeing economic hardship, and to support those who are already doing this work." The irony is that they wouldn't be able to convince their own national leaders to raise the refugee quota, as the issue is unpopular among their citizens.
What is congruous is to help countries like Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey to cope with the millions of refugees in their countries; and to invest in "the integration of refugees and immigrants" who are already in their host countries.
That said, the economic climate poses the biggest obstacle to implementing the afore-mentioned policies. Due to budget cuts, their citizens feel the pinch and resent any aid services provided for refugees and migrants. It's not the world leaders that the mayors need to appeal to, but their citizens too. Moreover talks should be held with the international community, foremost with the rich Sunni Arab states to deal with the Syrian refugees, many of whom are Sunni Muslims. The migrants and refugees should be properly informed of the reality they face, and be prepared to settle down somewhere else other than Western European countries.
63
"That said, the economic climate poses the biggest obstacle to implementing the afore-mentioned policies." No, it doesn't, unless there is such a thing as a virtual climate. The obstacle to rational politics is in the nativist xenophobic hysteria being whipped up by Trump,
3
First generation immigrants often have a very tough time. Integration and assimilation in first generation are usually dependent on the educational level or skills of the immigrant. Those who have them or who can learn quickly succeed. Those who do not do not.
"Our immigrants, our strength" in general is correct only after two or three generations. But there is a lot of failure along the way, and some of those who fall do not get up and they drag down their families beyond first or second generation.
Thus, the key to maximize success and minimize failure is the educational system.
For my parents generation in the US, it was the public school system and the city and state universities which provided that (excellent) education for free or at an affordable price. Are these educational systems up to the challenge today? At affordable prices? I think the mayors are waxing rather optimistic and somewhat unrealistic.
"Our immigrants, our strength" in general is correct only after two or three generations. But there is a lot of failure along the way, and some of those who fall do not get up and they drag down their families beyond first or second generation.
Thus, the key to maximize success and minimize failure is the educational system.
For my parents generation in the US, it was the public school system and the city and state universities which provided that (excellent) education for free or at an affordable price. Are these educational systems up to the challenge today? At affordable prices? I think the mayors are waxing rather optimistic and somewhat unrealistic.
95
As a first generation immigrant, I can attest to the fact that the American system is far more meritocratic, and therefore accepting of diversity than its liberal counter-parts such as Canada and Western Europe. The key issue obviously is a combination of education and motivation - but the second generation, and to a much greater extent the third generation ends up being a bit too assimilated, without the fire in the belly to compete and win.
2
What you are saying is typical for pre 60s immigration. Modern immigrants from Central America, South America, Somalia, South East Asia, and the Middle East excluding Israel have been unable to succesfully assimilate after even 3 to 5 generations with no signs of assimilation.
Typical naive talk of everyone being equal.
No one is ever equal.
Typical naive talk of everyone being equal.
No one is ever equal.
11
You say first generation immigrants have tough time, the youngsters who have committed murders in Europe and USA were 2nd generation immigrants having nice jobs. NY Chelsea immigrant is almost a 2nd generation, he came to US when he was 8. Major Nidal Hassan who killed so many in Ft. Hood was born in US.
Feeding of persecution mania in these young Muslims and telling them how superior Islam is causes the problem and keeps them aloof and prevents them from assimilation
Feeding of persecution mania in these young Muslims and telling them how superior Islam is causes the problem and keeps them aloof and prevents them from assimilation
4
ID For immigrants is the way of the future. The sooner cities join in the program worldwide, as they already have begun to do, the easier will be the transition to help immigrants become active contributing citizens who participate in civic life and take pride in communities that are safe and productive.
9
LEGAL immigrants already get IDs. ILEGAL immigrants need to be deported, not rewarded for violating US immigration laws.
8
It's that expensive new federal police force that will be needed to check all those ID's and continually search for criminals that thwarts your plan. Without them, arriving foreigners will be just as free to ignore the legal requirement to carry their proof of visa as they are now.
1
You must prove your point by looking up the data on the city iD cards in places like London and Paris. Otherwise you're blowing smoke. You're 100% entitled to your opinion, but not to state it as empirically vetted fact.
2
"The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity".
Well, de Blasio, Hidalgo, Khan - disabuse us of this somewhat.
de Blasio, Hidalgo, Khan - what a marvellous world, three mayors with Italian, Spanish, Pakistani ancestry, mayors of three greatest cities.
No, we do not lack conviction; more than ever now when the values of this republic are threatened, we are, we are full of passionate conviction.
Are full of passionate intensity".
Well, de Blasio, Hidalgo, Khan - disabuse us of this somewhat.
de Blasio, Hidalgo, Khan - what a marvellous world, three mayors with Italian, Spanish, Pakistani ancestry, mayors of three greatest cities.
No, we do not lack conviction; more than ever now when the values of this republic are threatened, we are, we are full of passionate conviction.
32
Our son Giancarlo, JC for friends, lives in London which he regards as the greatest city to live in. He is a US, Italian, Swedish citizen having the immigrant DNA in his blood as his maternal grandfather sailed to the USA in early 1900, and I flew to the USA in the early 1960 landing in NYC.
While he regards himself lucky to be such an immigrant, his many friends in London come from many corners of the world from diverse social strata, all happy to live in an extraordinary city where their diversity makes them feel, paradoxically, at home.
While he regards himself lucky to be such an immigrant, his many friends in London come from many corners of the world from diverse social strata, all happy to live in an extraordinary city where their diversity makes them feel, paradoxically, at home.
27
Courageous. Based on facts on immigration with a moral compass perspective. Unlike whipped up fear cultivated for cynical self serving political purposes. Consensus of allies with shared values. Bravo.
56
Courageous if and only if one accepts the formula: courageousness = naivety bordering on stupidity or perhaps: Courageous = (S)*N x N (or naivety squared - I can figure out how to use superscript in this format). It might be useful to formalize and reduce progressive thought to a few simple statements.
7
It is not courageous, but rather mercenary, if one decides to do something because the calculation benefits oneself. There would be 2.4 billion more people in the next 35 years, and half of them would be in Africa. It would be courageous if these mayors start thinking about that.
2
If so, can you explain to me why France is in a state of emergency?
206
My pleasure: because it give the police and the secrete services faster and more efficient means to find and arrest the vastly majoritarian FRENCH (and BELGIAN) citizens (people BORN and RAISED in FRANCE) who are a threat to anybody (French and otherwise) sited in a café, attending a rock concert, etc.
People who claim otherwise probably still believe 9/11 perpetrators were from Iraq and that killing Saddam was the solution.
People who claim otherwise probably still believe 9/11 perpetrators were from Iraq and that killing Saddam was the solution.
39
Fliegender, maybe you can also explain why the people who have murdered 230 French citizens in the past 12 months are all muslims. Some of these animals made the trip, along with thousands of other illegal migrants, from Syria just to kill French people. Not sure what your point is, but France is in a state of emergency because it cannot (or will not) secure its borders from the thousands of illegal migrants who think they have the right to walk through it on the way to Great Britain. And Hollande is such a weak, stupid PM that he tolerates this horde of parasites instead of deporting them.
20
They (homegrown Muslim terrorists) may have been born in France and Belgium and have citizenship but they are not culturally French or Belgian. They are culturally Islamic and that is not French or Belgian. The West should carefully consider the number of immigrants it accepts from Islamic countries, as many of these countries espouse thinking that is fundamentally in contradiction to the values of the West. Islamic immigrants and refugees should go to Islamic countries where they would be more easily accepted.
29
We are having trouble employing and feeding millions of Americans.
While your ambitions have well meaning intentions, if the host is ill, it cannot help others.
Fix our country, take care of its people, first. Then, and only then, will we be in a position to help others without hurting ourselves.
While your ambitions have well meaning intentions, if the host is ill, it cannot help others.
Fix our country, take care of its people, first. Then, and only then, will we be in a position to help others without hurting ourselves.
232
I am an American living in Europe. I was back home in the States recently. Yes, there are homeless people and those in need. However, by and large Americans are caring people and numerous organizations have sprung up to help those in need. America can and does take care of its people. Where poorly thought through laws make this difficult there are those that advocate for fixing them. America is strong. Its salient characteristic is its capacity for self-renewal made stronger by helping others. Turning away from the world would be a recipe for disaster, not for building a great country.
39
One does not preclude the other. The present Congress neglects both while allowing charity for the well off to remain in the books. If every country waits until their domestic problems are solved the refugees will die of hunger. It shows a certain callousness to make that kind of statement. Besides the US produces more than enough food to feed all Americans and a large percentage of world wide refugees. The problem is not lack of food but poorly distributed resources and neglect.
5
Our 'trouble employing and feeding millions of' US has nothing to do with the number of people - immigrant or not - that live here.
It has everything to do with a lack of will and our near religious belief that financial success will be ours. We elect and continue to elect representatives who refuse to work with each other and who abhor any social program or business investment that would help the unemployed. We'd rather have millions starve that prevent a single person from living the life of a king.
It has everything to do with a lack of will and our near religious belief that financial success will be ours. We elect and continue to elect representatives who refuse to work with each other and who abhor any social program or business investment that would help the unemployed. We'd rather have millions starve that prevent a single person from living the life of a king.
6
What does "vanishingly rare" even mean?
54
It's horse feathers. It's telling us to believe them and not our eyes!
5
Good question. I am sure they are claiming that militancy among immigrants is rare and becoming rarer It could be interpreted to mean that militancy among immigrants is rare but becoming less so (the "rarity" is vanishing), that is, militancy among immigrants is increasing. While the latter interpretation is closer to the truth, I have no doubt it is no doubt it is the former that de Blasio, Hildago, and Khan want us to believe.
3
So rare that creating policy based on the fear of it is like creating health policy on concerns about the bubonic plague, rather than on heart disease and cancer, which pose genuine threats to public health.
2
Until you have full employment, medical care and full access to Educational
Opportunities as a natural born citizens why should you be in favour,
and let us call it what it is, unrestricted immigration ?
Why should a natural born citizen have to compete for a job against
Immigrants ?
Why should I have to wait for Medical Care and have to pay ever high prices for Insurance because the costs of providing care for Immigrants is so high ?
Why should a non-citizen be given a Scholarship funded by the State when
my child cannot afford to attend College ?
I am not against immigrants per se, but I am against the natural born citizens
of a Country being treated as 2nd/3rd class citizens so large companies can make their fortunes off of Immigrant labor - legal or illegal while refusing to hire native born citizens. [ Please don't tell me natives born citizens will not take those jobs. ]
When illegal Immigrants can become Lawyers/Doctors/Wall Street Investors/
Governors/Senators then you will hear the Elite "Howl" but meanwhile the
lower 50 % of American Citizens are treated as non-citizens.
It has to stop, gentleman, or as Brexit showed, there will be strife and
eventual violence against the Immigrants - Legal or Illegal - and then what ?