Control Immigration or lose your country

Immigration has long been a topic of discussion, particularly in Western countries. The conversation has grown increasingly complex as the scale of immigration has escalated, and in many cases, the influx of migrants has brought about profound changes in the cultural fabric of these nations. One question that remains central to the discussion is: How can countries maintain their identity and values while still being open to newcomers? The recent commentary by Mark Levin in his video, "Levin: This has to be straightened out ASAP," raises a critical point that applies beyond the U.S. – the need for enforcing stricter controls on immigration to preserve national sovereignty and cultural integrity.

Levin argues that modern immigration has deviated from the founding principles established by the framers of the Constitution and the original immigration policies. In the U.S. and other Western nations, the consequences of mass, uncontrolled immigration have led to the erosion of cultural values, linguistic homogeny, and social unity. As he describes, it has become less about immigrants contributing to and assimilating into the host country's culture and more about the host culture being forced to accommodate increasingly divergent traditions. The question is no longer whether we are receiving immigrants, but how we are receiving them and whether they are contributing to the national fabric or fragmenting it.

What are the concerns

In the US the pressing issue has been mass migration, which Levin many have labeled a "massive invasion." There is no  concern about the value immigrants may bring, but rather the lack of alignment between their values and the values of the host nation. Immigration should be a process of assimilation, where the newcomers are not only welcomed but actively embrace the culture, language, and principles of the country they choose to call home.

In his critique, Levin brings up several historical references, including the insight of thinkers like Benjamin Franklin, who in the 1750s expressed concern over immigrants who retained their native languages and customs without blending into the larger cultural society. In Levin’s view, this phenomenon is not merely a challenge—it is a direct threat to the cohesion of the nation.

The Global Context: Immigration Beyond the U.S.

While Levin’s argument focuses on the United States, his concerns are far from U.S.-centric. Many Western nations, from Sweden to Germany, the U.K. to Australia, have accepted large numbers of immigrants, only to find that many of them have failed to assimilate. Instead, these migrants often bring with them their own cultural identities and customs, some of which may be at odds with the host country’s foundational principles.

The Western ideal of a "melting pot" – a place where people of all backgrounds come together and forge a new identity – has given way to a "salad bowl" approach. This model advocates for multiculturalism, where various cultures are preserved rather than integrated, creating divisions that prevent true national unity. This trend, as Levin suggests, risks fracturing societies rather than strengthening them.

The Core Rules of Immigration

To prevent countries from being transformed against the will of their populace, Levin proposes a list of core rules that should be enforced universally in immigration policies. These constraints would ensure that immigrants contribute positively to the country, integrating into society while respecting its traditions and values. Here are the key rules:

1. Cultural and Linguistic Assimilation
   Immigrants should be required to adopt the language and culture of the country. Multilingualism and multiculturalism, when not carefully managed, can result in societal division. Immigrants must be given the tools to integrate fully into the dominant culture to ensure cohesion.

2. Commitment to National Identity
   Immigration should be an act of allegiance, not simply a relocation. Newcomers must pledge allegiance to the nation’s laws, culture, and societal values. This includes respecting democratic institutions and upholding the freedoms and rights that the nation holds dear.

3. Selection Based on Contribution Potential
   Immigration should prioritize individuals who are most likely to contribute to the country’s well-being. This includes assessing skills, education, and character. It’s important to avoid situations where the nation’s resources are strained due to a mismatch between the immigrant population's needs and the country’s capacity to support them.

4. No Double Loyalties
   Dual citizenship should be abandoned, as it can be seen as accepting divided loyalties. Newcomers must be expected to embrace their new country without the option of maintaining sworn allegiances to the countries they have left. This is espcailly true where those countries  have values that conflict with the host nation's.

5. Clear Pathways to Citizenship
   Immigration should not be an automatic gateway to citizenship. Naturalization should be earned over time and require clear demonstration of integration into the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the country.

6. Zero Tolerance for Illegal Immigration
   Immigration laws must be strictly enforced. Illegal immigration not only undermines the legal process but also fosters resentment among the population that follows the rules. The use of legal immigration pathways should be emphasized, and there should be strong penalties for those who bypass legal systems.

7. Cultural Contribution and Adaptation
   Immigrants must be prepared to embrace the core cultural values of the country they are entering. This is not to erase their own heritage, but to ensure that the national culture is preserved and that newcomers are contributing to the shared values that define the society.

8. Education and Public Awareness
   Immigrants should be educated about their new country’s history, values, and institutions. This would help them understand what makes their new home unique and encourage them to appreciate and adapt to the broader society. Similarly, host countries should invest in programs that teach both native citizens and immigrants about the importance of a shared national identity.

9. Limit the numbers

The above rules work to ensure immigrants will over time become productive citizens that build the cohesion within the host country. However they cannot be enforced where the sheer numbers of immigrants swamp the process. Therefore it is essential for countries to limit the numbers of migrants to ensure orderly integration can occur.

Conclusion: The Road to a Stronger Nation

Ultimately, immigration is not just about numbers—it’s about the quality of integration and the contributions immigrants can make to society. The above rules aren’t about rejecting immigrants, but about ensuring that those who come to a new country are truly prepared to become part of its future.  Failure to enforce clear, thoughtful, and consistent immigration policies risks undermining the very cultures and values that make nations great. 

Nations that fail to set boundaries risk eroding their identity, culture, and values. It’s time for a return to policies that put the national interest first, ensuring a prosperous, unified future for all citizens, new and old.

Here is Mark Levin's video; -