Interesting article in the New York Times about a Google programmer who more or less had to leave for Canada because of restrictive US immigration practices.

I think the US ought to be a tech mecca where the best techs and scientists can easily immigrate. It's better than letting them work overseas, which we can't prevent.

Open the borders says I.

The US is a nation of immigrants, and it's where we get our strength. Trying to shut the doors is both hypocritical and self-destructive.

heh, it seems the young nations is growing older, and ever more conservative

It's funny, because the hardest working people I have ever known have been immigrants, and the illegal ones today frequently die trying to get here, so are just as heroic as the people on the Mayflower were.

There probably have to be some sort of immigration controls, or there could be a mass exodus from Mexico by people fleeing the drug violence largely inspired by the US drug prohibition. Also, in general I would say beware of advocating simple solutions to complex problems. They are usually so simple because they leave stuff out.

Still, imigration not stampede-style and by qualified immigrants should be encouraged.

The first wave/generation of immigrants are indeed extremely hardworking.

Then their kids grow up in a much higher standard of living and grow quickly impatient at their parent's slow rise to riches. Much mischief ensues. Xenophobia grows. Border walls get built and restrictive laws are passed. A fun time is had by all.

^
Amen Brother, Amen.