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First Principles of Immigration
Paul B Hunker III -- January 31, 2008
A nation has a duty to welcome the foreigner in search of security and livelihood. Why is that? One must consider it from the perspective of the immigrant. A person has a right to emigrate from his own country when conditions in such country do not provide what is necessary for basic human dignity.[3] The “right” to immigrate can be considered a specification of the “universal destination of human goods,” a principle of social justice. “God destined the earth and all it contains for all men and all peoples so that all created things would be shared fairly by all mankind under the guidance of justice tempered by charity.”[4] Specifically, a person without the necessities of life for himself and his family in his own country has the right to seek those goods elsewhere.

Well, does this mean the borders are open? Does policing the border and removing aliens who jump the border violate social justice? Happily (in particular for those tasked with protecting the border), they do not. Immigration can and should be regulated according to the common good of each nation. The common good indicates “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.”[5] Each human community possesses a common good which permits it to be recognized as such; it is in the political community that its most complete realization is found. It is the role of the state to defend and promote the common good of civil society, its citizens, and intermediate bodies.”[6] (ref)

Our borders have not been enforced for decades. Illegal aliens have been allowed to enter at our southern borders as well as at seaports. Immigration is the job of the Federal government but people who illegaly cross the border ae not immigrants. It is irresponsible for any government or organization to encourage violation of immigration law.
While it is our obligation to welcome immigrants we must question why they are leaving their country. "Migration today is practically an expression of the violation of the primary human right to live in one’s own country." (ref)



Mexico is wealthy with natural resources, tourist attractions and a good workforce. Companies in Mexico are expanding. Emigration may stop or even reverse. We will want the same rights and benefits in Mexico as immigrants have here. Any immigration reform must be completely reciprocal .

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