Open Borders

Open borders refers to an immigration policy in which anyone can cross the border into a country with little to no restriction or punishment. Whether you support open borders, however, varies depending on your perspective and bias.

The right typically uses the term “open borders” in a negative context, arguing that stable nations need restrictions on immigration in order to not overwhelm or displace natives. When they use the term “open borders,” it is typically to deride lax immigration policies or a lack of punishment for lawbreaking migrants. They have a desire to prioritize housing and jobs for natives rather than foreigners and believe in the importance of preserving native cultures. While they may not believe immigration overall is bad, they see totally open borders as harmful and emphasize the need for restrictions and restraints. 

Some on the left and many libertarians use the term “open borders” with a positive connotation; they advocate that open borders are humane and a cornerstone of freedom, arguing that people should be allowed to move and settle wherever they like. They see open borders as a positive thing, arguing it would combat inequality (such as wealth gaps, racism, sexism, xenophobia, etc.), extend empathy to immigrants fleeing violence, economic instability, or persecution, enable globalization and cultural exchange and minimize nationalism. 

While the right typically argues that unauthorized immigration to the U.S. has reached alarming levels, essentially creating an open border, some on the left argue that the U.S. does not have an open border and that immigration to the U.S. is too difficult or restricted.