For Generations, America has produced brilliant scientists, superb athletes, performers of all kinds, and thinkers that have significantly impacted world knowledge. How are we so lucky to have such individuals? How can we have more of them?
We are in the midst of a debate regarding immigration to this country. How should we best determine who is allowed to come? On May 16, our president made a statement in the rose garden of the White House in which he outlined proposed changes to our immigration system.
Mr. Trump stated that the new system will be based on ‘merit.’ Preference will be given to people who are already financially self-sufficient, speak English, and possess high-level job skills. On the surface, this seems logical and reasonable. But, the more Mr. Trump talked, the more troubling became his message.
For generations, America has been a place where individuals who may have come from unfortunate circumstances can reach their potential and have a good life. All that is required is that they are willing to work hard. Mr. Trump is saying that we should prioritize those who have already reached their potential to a significant degree before applying to come to this country.
“Under the senseless rules of the current system, we’re not able to give preference to a doctor, a researcher, a student who graduated number one in his class from the finest colleges in the world . . . . If somebody graduates top of their class from the best college, sorry, go back to your country.” Donald Trump, May 16, 1019.
First of all, this is completely false. When an individual who completes a degree in the U.S. is asked by a company to stay because the expertise he/she possesses is needed, the company can apply for a green card for that person to remain and work in the U.S. I live in the Washington DC area and I meet such individuals frequently.
But, President Trump went on to say something that stunned me. Regarding our current immigration system, he stated, “We discriminate against genius. We discriminate against brilliance.” Think about that. He is saying that by giving a chance to people from war-torn and poverty stricken countries, or countries with little educational opportunity, we are discriminating against genius. What? Does he mean that among individuals fleeing violence in their home country there is no potential for genius? Does he mean that for individuals clinging to a rubber raft trying to cross an ocean to get to a better life, there is no possibility of brilliance?
Trump stated, “The millions of legal immigrants who have come to America over the past half century are now cherished members of our national family.” Well said! Question; would these individuals have made it in under this ‘merit’ system? I’m afraid many would not. I happen to know many individuals whose parents or grandparents came to the U.S. without knowing a word of English, possessing only the clothes on their backs, and just enough money to last a few weeks. These individuals didn’t have a degree from a fine university or a high-dollar skill. What they did possess was courage and determination! Consequently, they often took the most menial jobs; washing clothes, cleaning houses, working in the kitchens of restaurants 80 hours per week. But their children went to college and have become productive members of society. I know many of these individuals and so do you. I have nothing but the deepest admiration for individuals who set off for another land to find a better life, not knowing if they would ever see their loved ones again. These are the character traits that have made America great.
Of course, America cannot admit every person wishing to immigrate. In an attempt to be fair to the scores of individuals hoping to immigrate to America, our current system employs a lottery system to select from the many coming from war-torn, poverty stricken, or politically oppressive countries. Mr. Trump stated that this current system is “contrary to American values.” In fact, opening our door only to those potential immigrants who are already fortunate enough to be well educated is contrary to American values!
I find distasteful the suggestion that among individuals willing to walk a thousand miles in order to find a better life, there is no possibility of genius or brilliance. Rather than attempting to screen out from immigration all but those who already possess money, English ability, and high-demand skills, let’s continue to strive to make America a place where every individual’s yet-undiscovered brilliance can be recognized and cultivated.
~Brian Mc Donald
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