The report is a uniquely comprehensive and jargon‐​free (to the extent possible) explanation of U.S. legal immigration. Contrary to public perception, immigrants cannot simply wait and get a green card (permanent residence) after a few years. Legal immigration is less like waiting in line and more like winning the lottery: it happens, but it is so rare that it is irrational to expect it in any individual case.

  • ThrowawayM
    -7•4 months ago

    We still grant hundreds of thousands of immigrant visas every year. 493,448 were granted in 2022. The problem is simply too many people too quickly.

    • PizzaMan
      1•4 months ago

      Copying and pasting from a previous comment, becuase this is the exact same thing.

      The number of immigrants adding to the population is a drop in the bucket in comparison to how much the baby boomers added to the population.

      The baby boomers added roughly 4.4 million a year, double that of immigrants.

      And then pretty much double it again on the basis of proportion, because the U.S. was far smaller in population during the baby boomers explosion.

      The baby boomers had to grow up before they could provide themselves, needing roughly 15 years before they could begin to provide for themselves. Immigrants on the other hand are typically adults, or families with parents already providing for their children.

      If we could handle an explosion of population of baby boomers, we can handle the comparatively much smaller, much more able bodied and self providing immigrants.

      And the already manageable numbers will die down again soon provided we stop raping central and latin america. The U.S. played a huge part in causing this issue. It’s only fair that we play part in handling the fallout.

      So no, it’s not too many people.

      • ThrowawayM
        -3•4 months ago

        That was during the biggest economic boom in American history, and we are suffering from their impact today

        • PizzaMan
          0•4 months ago

          That was during the biggest economic boom in American history

          And the only thing stopping us from having that economic security again is neoliberalism/conservatism.

          we are suffering from their impact today

          Only because they are hoarding their wealth and power, not because there is too many people that showed up too quickly.