Why Do Liberals Support Immigration of Non-Liberal Values Groups?

Since liberals understand the economic and social implications of immigration, it's crucial to explore why they tend to support the immigration of people groups who may not share their values. This article delves into the underlying reasons for these liberal positions, focusing on the concept of skilled labor and the diverse nature of individual beliefs.

Introduction to the Economic Challenge

In 2016, the lack of qualified human capital was identified as the greatest obstacle to economic growth. Despite the common slogan, "hire Americans," the reality is that American education often fails to produce a workforce that meets the demands of modern industries. As we fast-forward to 2020, the country faced the worst recession in its history, further highlighting the critical need for diverse skilled labor.

Skilled Labor as the Answer

To address this gap, businesses have been forced to seek skilled workers from around the world. This approach is highly controversial among those who subscribe to strict nationalistic or isolationist policies. However, it’s important to note that individual beliefs and political affiliations are not as neatly categorized as they might seem.

The Fluidity of Political Beliefs

A business owner with a technology company, for instance, might advocate for low taxes and anti-tariffs. However, this same individual can also support environmentalism, open ranchland, the international criminal court, and civil rights. The concept of pigeonholing individuals into strictly liberal or conservative categories is overly simplistic and often misleading.

Diverse Beliefs and Skilled Labor

Consider a business owner who struggles to find qualified labor within the domestic workforce. Skilled workers from countries like Syria, for example, may possess the exact qualifications needed to sustain the business. These workers, who are often from traditional Muslim backgrounds, may be reliable and even pass drug tests, attributes valued in many U.S. industries. Despite their different cultural or religious norms, these individuals are eager to work and integrate into the new culture.

The Business Paradox

The paradox of businesses embracing immigration while simultaneously criticizing it is significant. Businesses often hire from diverse cultural backgrounds, even when these cultures may seem to oppose American values. This reveals a contradiction in their own actions. By supporting immigration and hiring individuals based on their skills and reliability, businesses are indirectly supporting a society that opposes their own.

Cultural Diversity and Economic Growth

The argument against immigration often centers on the potential for a homogeneous nation. However, history shows that new immigrants often bring diverse values and insights. Even first-generation immigrants can be conservative in their initial years but typically adapt over time. This adaptation is crucial for the long-term viability of a nation.

Common Goals and Shared Values

The majority of immigrants and refugees seek to create a better life for themselves and their families. They often find freedom of speech and greater personal choices as attractive advantages of a liberal democracy. Many come from countries where authoritarian and repressive systems are the norm. The prospect of immigrating to a country with less restrictions is compelling.

The Strain of Credulity

The idea that a group like Syrian refugees would replicate an authoritarian and brutal state like that of Assad is highly improbable. Similarly, it’s equally difficult to believe that immigrants overwhelmingly dislike many aspects of American culture. Many immigrants already have a basic understanding of American values and are eager to integrate.

Conclusion

Support for immigration from non-liberal values groups among liberals is rooted in the economic need for skilled labor and the fluid nature of individual beliefs. It reflects a broader understanding that social and policy differences do not necessarily translate into a desire to recreate oppressive systems. By embracing skilled workers regardless of their cultural or religious background, businesses and society as a whole can benefit from diverse perspectives and contribute to economic growth and social progress.