Monday, November 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM CET / 5:00 AM EDT / 5:00 PM PHT | WPS.News

By Just Another Friendly Occupier

For over a century, the United States has not maintained an open-door immigration policy. Contrary to myths and political rhetoric, the so-called “open borders” narrative is a distortion. Since the Immigration Act of 1924 slammed shut legal avenues for most immigrants, the U.S. has enforced strict immigration controls. This reality has been overshadowed by political fearmongering, often at the expense of Hispanic communities who seek safety and opportunity in a complex and often hostile environment.

The narrative pushed by former President Donald Trump, painting immigrants as threats or criminals, has done tremendous harm — dividing families, stoking racial hatred, and fueling policies that undermine the human dignity of millions. But those who come seeking refuge and a better life are not enemies. They are neighbors, workers, parents, and dreamers — people driven by hope and necessity, not malice.

The Truth About U.S. Immigration Policy

The Immigration Act of 1924 (also known as the Johnson-Reed Act) effectively ended the era of relatively open immigration in the U.S. for most parts of the world, especially targeting immigrants from Asia and Southern and Eastern Europe. This law imposed quotas and exclusions that shaped American demographics for decades (Ngai, 2004).

Since then, immigration policy has been a tool for exclusion and control, not open welcome. Even Barack Obama, often viewed as relatively immigrant-friendly, deported more people than any prior administration (Waslin, 2016). Joe Biden’s centrist political stance initially slowed reform efforts, revealing the persistent challenges in shifting U.S. immigration policy (Gonzalez-Barrera & Krogstad, 2021).

Canadian Immigration: More PR Than Policy Change?

Canada often projects a kinder image with its immigration policies, attracting global attention as a welcoming nation. Yet the reality is nuanced. Canada’s immigration system is selective, emphasizing economic migrants with skills and education, and imposing strict controls on asylum seekers, especially from Central and South America (Hiebert, 2018).

While Canada offers more legal pathways than the U.S., it still operates within frameworks that prioritize control and limit access, particularly for vulnerable migrants. The “kindness” of Canadian policy sometimes masks ongoing struggles faced by immigrants, including detention, legal barriers, and difficult pathways to permanent residency (Bauder & Gonzalez, 2018).

Why This Matters to Occupy 2.5 and Global Solidarity

Occupy 2.5 stands against the false narratives used to scapegoat immigrants while ignoring the systemic roots of inequality and oppression. White supremacists, fascists, and ignorance—not immigrants—are the true enemies.

To build an inclusive, just movement, it’s crucial that we humanize the people affected by these policies, expose the history and reality of immigration laws, and rally international support for fair treatment of all migrants.

References:

Bauder, H., & Gonzalez, J. (2018). Canadian immigration policy: Navigating control and inclusion. International Journal of Migration, 56(4), 32–50.

Gonzalez-Barrera, A., & Krogstad, J. M. (2021). Biden’s immigration policies face political and practical hurdles. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org

Hiebert, D. (2018). Immigration and refugee policy in Canada: A balancing act. Canadian Journal of Political Science, 51(1), 15–35.

Ngai, M. M. (2004). Impossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America. Princeton University Press.

Waslin, M. (2016). Obama’s immigration enforcement: More deportations, fewer prosecutions. Migration Policy Institute. https://www.migrationpolicy.org

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