The open-door policy - US immigration

E: The Environmental Magazine, Sept-Oct, 1997 by Jim Motavalli

Black Americans mostly oppose high immigration levels because they fear it costs them jobs. The NRC report says they shouldn't worry: "Some have lost their jobs, especially in places where immigrants are concentrated. But the majority of blacks live elsewhere, and their economic fortunes are tied largely to other factors."

Professor Abernethy, who's also studied the demographic data, denies these cozy conclusions. "Blacks are bearing the brunt from immigration," she charges. They "live elsewhere," she suggests, because they've been forced out of some labor markets by inexpensive immigrant labor.

Some "limitationists" are, quite simply, racists. But environmental reporter turned anti-immigration author Roy Beck, who illustrates his talks with graphic demonstrations of gumballs (representing millions of people) overflowing glass jars (representing countries), says fear of the racism charge keeps many people with honest doubts about U.S. policy from speaking out. "This is such a messy issue for environmentalists," Beck says. "We like to feel good about what we do, and immigration is so full of political negatives."

Congress agrees. Last year it put new restrictions on illegals, but left the rest of U.S. policy largely intact. CONTACTS: Federation for American Immigration Reform, Suite 400, 1666 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009/(202)3287004; National Research Council, 2101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20418/(202)334-2138; Zero Population Growth, 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 320, Washington, DC 20036/(202) 332-2200.