When debating current issues, it’s helpful to avoid inaccurate depictions of past policy, especially on immigration, in which both opponents and advocates of President Donald Trump’s policies have views based on not altogether accurate renditions of the past.

Many opponents of Trump’s policies seem to believe the president wants to cut off legal immigration altogether: shut America’s gates. But in recent times, around 800,000 individuals have taken the oath to become American citizens. In addition, about 1 million people have been granted green cards each year, making them eligible for citizenship. That’s not a closed gate. 

You may argue that we should open the gate wider. I’m inclined to take that view, with the proviso that we reduce the number of extended family members eligible and increase the number of skill-based slots. 

You may also argue, as some Trump backers do, that we should reduce legal immigration, with some even calling for cutting it down to zero. But I’m not aware that there’s any realistic prospect for drastic reductions even........

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