Demographic Sustainability in the U.S. vis-à-vis Selective Immigration

 To begin with, let me offer some context. I firmly believe that open-border policies are a serious mistake for any country—particularly the United States. Instead, a rigorous and selective immigration strategy is essential.

Nevertheless, we must confront several unavoidable realities, regardless of our personal views. These are the facts:

Declining U.S. Population: A Structural Concern

The U.S. population is in decline—a trend not unique to America but common across the Western Hemisphere. Several key factors have contributed to this demographic shift:

• Changing Family Dynamics: Traditional family structures have undergone substantial transformation. Cultural shifts now emphasize individualism over collective familial goals, often deprioritizing marriage and child-rearing. In many cases, the emotional commitment once reserved for raising children is being redirected toward caring for pets, underscoring a broader shift in lifestyle preferences.
• Economic Barriers to Parenthood: The financial burden of raising children has become a major deterrent, especially among younger adults. Rising costs, coupled with career ambitions and economic uncertainty, have led many to postpone or entirely forgo starting a family. Although there is rarely a “perfect time” to have children, for many the perceived cost simply outweighs the desire.
• Social Movements and Cultural Shifts: The rise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights have reshaped societal narratives across education and employment thought-out Western Hemisphere. While these developments promote inclusivity, rapid cultural transformation can clash with longstanding social norms, principles and values.
• Political Implications: These evolving cultural values are increasingly embedded in political platforms. Politicians often leverage these issues to mobilize specific voter blocs, further polarizing national discourse.

The Economic Reality: Growth Requires a Workforce

Economic expansion remains a cornerstone of American aspirations — “Make America Great Again” resonates with many because it reflects a shared desire for national prosperity. But sustainable growth depends on workforce availability across all sectors. Here lies the challenge:

The working-age population—both professional and blue-collar—is declining. In addition to demographics, compounding this issue, educational and social influences are directing younger generations away from critical; productive careers and toward popularity-driven aspirations such as becoming influencers or YouTubers induced by an apparent way to make easy money.

• Older Workers: While older adults offer valuable experience and could help address some workforce gaps, their availability is limited. Many are not suited for physically demanding roles, and in technical areas, their skills may not align with current requirements. Nonetheless, they can make a meaningful contribution—but not at a scale sufficient to meet overall demand.
• Impact of Poor Immigration Policy: The prior administration's immigration policy was broadly considered as reckless, allowing uncontrolled entry that has resulted in significant social and humanitarian challenges. The consequences include:
• Politicization: Immigration itself is not the problem—after all, the U.S. was built on immigration. The issue has become a political football, distracting from thoughtful, long-term solutions.
• Border Security: Fortunately, the current administration has succeeded in curbing uncontrolled border crossings, reestablishing a degree of oversight.
• Criminal Element: Lax border control previously allowed entry to individuals with criminal or terrorist backgrounds. This public safety concern must be addressed urgently and apolitically, using all available tools to remove threats from within.
• Undocumented and TPS Workers: A significant portion of the undocumented population is already engaged in the workforce—some under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), others in informal sectors such as agriculture and domestic labor. These workers are often vulnerable to exploitation.

Strategic Path Forward

This is the complex reality America currently faces. There is no single solution that will satisfy everyone, and the challenges are deeply interwoven. However, with intelligent, pragmatic approaches, this challenge could become an opportunity.

Long-Term Solutions

1. Reinforce Family and Cultural Values: The United States must reinvest in family as a central institution. Strengthening family life—and the values often associated with it, including religious and community engagement—can help reverse the birth rate decline. Current cultural rhetoric often downplays or devalues these institutions.
2. Career Orientation and Incentives: Educational and economic incentives should encourage younger generations to pursue careers aligned with national needs—STEM, healthcare, skilled trades, agriculture, and hospitality. These sectors are already experiencing significant labor shortages.

Short-Term Actions

Here lies the most controversial—but potentially most effective—solution:

1. Evaluate and Integrate the Undocumented Workforce: Given the current situation, it would be pragmatic to assess the skills and potential of undocumented and TPS workers already in the country. Those whose capabilities align with the U.S. economy and cultural values should be integrated through legal channels. Others who pose risks or do not align with national interests should be repatriated.
• This approach mirrors the amnesty implemented by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. That program might have been more successful had border security remained firm afterward.
2. Seasonal Work Visa Programs: Establish structured, seasonal visa systems for low-skilled workers—especially from neighboring countries. These programs would support agriculture and other labor-intensive industries during peak periods while ensuring oversight and fairness.

Conclusion

The truth is undeniable: the United States needs more workers to meet its growth goals. Simultaneously, the native population is shrinking, and labor shortages span both professional and manual sectors. Deporting all undocumented individuals would be costly and disruptive. Among them, however, is a pool of potentially valuable workers.

Rather than starting from scratch, leveraging existing human capital—through proper evaluation and integration—could be a far more efficient and intelligent strategy for demographic and economic sustainability.