Today, of course, things are a little different. Political borders are commonplace. Even borders that were once invisible are now more than just arbitrary lines on a map. More often now these borders are taking the shape of huge concrete or steel fences, lined with razor wire or guards. The United States occupies just part of North America, a piece that the country has, through various means, carved out for itself. Back in the eighteenth century, following the fight

Brimelow, Peter. "Time to Rethink Immigration?" Crucius and Channel 317-25.

"U.S. Immigration Law." The World Almanac and Book of Facts 1997. Mahwah: K-III Reference, 1996.

Those who believe that multiculturalism is a problem that must be solved by reducing immigration need to remember that diversity is what made this country great. The diversity that immigration brings to the United States can help it be more competitive, especially in the new global economy. That there is such a variety of cultural experiences to draw upon will make the U.S. an even more powerful player in the global marketplace. With many U.S. corporations setting up shop in other countries, there is a need for people who have a loyalty to America along with a first hand understanding of the countries with which America does business. Rather than isolating itself from the world, the United States should be open to what diversity can bring.

Mills, Nicolaus. "Lifeboat Ethics and Immigration Fears." Crucius and Channel 339-47.

There are also various reasons used by opponents of immigration in support of their position. One of their reasons for reducing or eliminating immigration is their belief that the current immigration numbers are overburdening social services. Nicolaus Mills, in his essay "Lifeboat Ethics and Immigration Fears," points out that programs such as AFDC, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and SSI, Supplemental Security Income, are being increasingly utilized by immigrants. Some children of legal as well as illegal immigrants are collecting AFDC payments, even before they have paid any taxes to help support that program. Impoverished immigrants also receive food stamps in addition to AFDC. While the children of immigrants are drawing AFDC and food stamps, Mills notes, many older generation immigrants are collecting SSI. Again, this seems unfair to Mills since these older immigrants may not have contributed to the tax man (343).

Wattenberg, Ben J., and Karl Zinsmeister. "The U.S. Should Encourage Immigration." Dudley 113-120.

While Mills justifies his stance against immigration with reasons based in economics, there are others whose reasons center on culture. People like Linda Chavez, president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, believe that today's emphasis on multiculturalism is splitting our country apart. In her essay, "What to Do about Immigration" she writes, "Multicultural education¼ has spread¼ to the point where all students are encouraged to think of themselves primarily as members of groups rather than Americans" (331). She feels that reducing immigration may reduce the rift that she sees forming between the different peoples of this country. In agreement with Chavez are John O'Sullivan, the editor of National Review and Peter Brimelow, a senior editor at Forbes. O'Sulliva

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