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Adam's avatar

Great essay, but I think you overestimate the extent to which the Founders rejected “anti-immigration sentiment”. Franklin categorically opposed immigration of non-Anglo-Saxons, Jefferson, Hamilton & John Jay argued immigrants diluted American culture (before the former flip-flopped in 1801 for self-serving partisan reasons), Washington thought immigration was unnecessary, Rufus King only wanted to accept immigrants of “good character” & so on. Obviously that doesn’t justify such views, but I think accurately characterizing their views is worthwhile.

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Erik Victor Reed's avatar

This is a magnificent post. Great work Mr. Craig.

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