Reagan wasn't the cause of awful immigration problems. The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) was a Reagan law. It made it illegal to hire undocumented workers, but also gave a free pass to everybody who had snuck in before 1982. Back then, there were also processes whereby a sneak-in could jump some hoops, pay some money, file some forms and become legal. All that changed after 9/11 when Security Theatre opened and the Bush Administration apparently thought Mexican farm workers were going to start blowing up airplanes and big buildings.billy.pilgrim wrote: ↑Tue Dec 20, 2022 3:07 am
Seems like I learned that the US built its strength with our forward thinking "melting pot" theory of immigration.
Then There was Powell and reagan.
But also, I think the "melting pot" concept started going away by itself. Most immigrants at one time did come to America intending to become Americans and assimilated to the extent the people already here let them. Children and grandchildren of non-English speaking immigrants were indistinguishable from everybody else and most no long spoke the mother tongue or followed old country customs. In addition to the occasional "Chinatowns" language and culture was imported and remained. IMNVHO, this is a good thing and creates a more diverse vibrant culture where everybody benefits. Many do not agree, resent seeing any "furriners" in their patch and don't accept any culture from away.