Party polarization around immigration is a key development in contemporary politics. Democrats are increasingly supportive and Republicans are the most skeptical of migration and migrants, but not long ago, GOP presidents and presidential candidates were in the vanguard of welcoming newcomers to America. Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and John McCain were well known for their pro-immigrant views and openness to sensible reform ideas. They saw immigrants as future workers, taxpayers, churchgoers, and citizens who were attracted to our political and economic values and would help build the nation. This approach was intertwined with a broader articulation of an “opportunity society” that emphasized free markets, entrepreneurship, individual liberty, and limited government.
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