Is Coming to America a Right?

There is an idea being pushed today that foreigners have a “legal right” to immigrate to America and that America, as a benevolent country, has the duty and obligation to let them in, whether their entry is legal or illegal. Does America have a moral and legal obligation to allow in whoever wants to come here? America is benevolent and the Founding Fathers welcomed the persecuted but does this mean America should allow all would be immigrants in the country? Anyone can claim to be persecuted however is the claim based in fact or a ploy to gain asylum? Does America have a right to vet those who want to come to America and selectively choose who to allow this opportunity?

George Washington wrote: “The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respectable Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges,” but notice the qualifier as Washington completes his statement, “if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.”

The Founding Fathers turned away many immigrants who did not meet the standards to “merit the enjoyment” of America. Coming to America is not a right but a privilege offered by the American people through their elected officials and the laws of the land.  Anyone can legally apply to come to America or to seek asylum from persecution but just like any other sovereign nation America has the right to choose who merits that privilege. Taking part in America is not a “legal right” or any other kind of right but a privilege based on merit and it is up to America to determine who meets that criteria. If it is a legal right to come to America, show me the law!