When my Irish grandfather emigrated here from England in 1912, he had to show proof he had a job and a place to live before he could send for my grandmother and 3 kids to join him. He couldn’t be a burden to society or the govt in any way. He didn’t get a cash stipend or free housing/food. THAT’S the difference, Mr. Pencil-headed Geek!
My Great- Grandfather also.
Spot on. My Italian grandfather came to Ellis Island in 1901. He was 19 years old, had no English, little education, had no family or friends in America. He was denied entry as being likely to become a public charge. He would have returned to Italy, but he met a jobber, Padron in Italian custom, who was hiring for the Niagara Parks power station in Niagara Falls Ontario. He worked till the structure was completed, became a Canadian citizen, but still wanted America. He crossed the Peace Bridge in 1904, and as he was stopped by US Customs who asked for papers, rather than show his Canadian citizenship dox, he took out a wad of US dollars. His pay, saved from three plus years of work and exchanged for US dollars. “ These are my papers!” he said. The startled border agent just said “ Welcome to America”. He stared a grocery store on Third Avenue and 53rd St in Manhattan. It took 14 years to become a citizen. Two of his sons fought Italian units in which their cousins served. He and my grandmother always spoke of Italy as “ the old country”. Something totally unknown to today’s illegal and some legal immigrants.
He couldn’t be a burden to society or the govt in any way.
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This is why the the immigration is not compatible with welfare state.
Before welfare, countries were luring immigrants!
One of the sin of King George was limiting the immigration to the US. Even withing Europe, countries were trying to lure some people from neighboring countries, often by promising free land and tax breaks or maybe religious freedoms for the oppressed.
Why? People were not a burden on society, they were all potential tax payers and contributors. So more people, more tax profits for the country! All good.
But now, with the welfare, the whole thing turned around. Immigrants are trying to maximize their profits (get a lot for nothing) and the locals are upset, because now immigrants are a net loss for the society!
Abolish welfare and the problem is solved!