On Immigration and Ports, Turning Inward

Powerful sentiments are rising that threaten to turn the world’s most globalized nation inward. Two issues have emerged that capitalize on US fears about jobs and security, both revealing an increasing desire for isolation. Debate over a proposed “guest worker” program aimed at transitioning illegal immigrants to legal status mirrors the objections to transfer of control over six US ports to Dubai Ports Worldwide, a company from the United Arab Emirates. While the two issues diverge in terms of particulars, protests surrounding both displayed a powerful nativist sentiment that has legislators turning the US “inward,” away from its internationalist role. The protectionist sentiment is not exclusive to any political party. Some Democrats focus antagonism on the ports deal, suggesting that Arab ownership could pose a security risk, while some Republicans argue that any guest worker program amounts to amnesty offer for illegal immigrants that could lead to a decline in US quality of life. With little support, President Bush is left with the embattled internationalist position. Both issues have sparked a defensive “visceral anger” that is hard for supporters of internationalism to match. One of the few supporters, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, suggests that protectionists can’t defy reality – that few US companies have the resources to operate the ports with low costs and immigrants mostly take jobs unwanted by US citizens. – YaleGlobal