Whom Shall We Welcome?
In 1952, a report entitled Whom We Shall Welcome was requested by President Eisenhower, and submitted January 1, 1953. This report paved the way for banishing quotas in The Hart-Celler Act, and opening up the gates to Asian immigrants. The report opens with some gorgeous ideals:
“America was founded upon the principle that all men are created equal, that differences of race, color, religion or national origin should not be used to deny equal treatment or equal opportunity.”
AND
“America historically has been the haven for the oppressed of other lands.”
The Good Immigrant
My family is considered “good” immigrants. Skilled, contributing to the welfare of Americans through the practice of medicine and high income taxes. In my nuclear family, we all have college degrees. Though I am unmistakably NOT WHITE, my husband is, and people will be confused about my son’s racial identity.
In 2025, defining the Good Immigrant becomes considerably more difficult, at least for the MAGA/Republicans.
November 19, 2025: Trump defends skilled immigrants, while die-hard MAGA want him to curtail ALL immigrants.
“He pointed to the multi-billion dollar expansion of chip production in Arizona, saying the company — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company — will bring in thousands of workers, and that he will “welcome those people.””
November 23, 2025: Republicans are getting nervous about ICE sweeps as they come to their communities
Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) this week noted 200 people were arrested over 48 hours in Charlotte. Seventy percent of them didn’t have a criminal record, according to the Department of Homeland Security, Salazar added in a CNN interview.
“Kick out the ones that are bad hombres, the ones who have criminal records, the murderers and the rapists,” she said. “But do not touch the lady who has been here for 10, 20 years, contributing to the economy.
Is the Good Immigrant a person who contributes to the economy?
Is the Good Immigrant a person who is educated?
Is the Good Immigrant a person who cleans your home?
Is the Good Immigrant a person who picks your vegetables?
Trump allows for more foreign ag workers, eases off ICE raids on farms.
Is the Good Immigrant a person who cooks your food?
“…the entire restaurant industry in America would close down overnight, would never recover, if current immigration laws were enforced quickly and thoroughly across the board.” - Anthony Bourdain, 2007
Is the Good Immigrant a person who is skilled?
Is the Good Immigrant a person who educates?
Is the Good Immigrant a person?
Does a person have to prove worthiness to exist in this country?