[Accygirl]

America isn't overcrowded:
- Europe is actually becoming less populated and much older because A. most women don't want to stay at home and pop out ten kids, like in the 1950s, and B. they don't allow immigration. In contrast, America isn't facing this problem because it's replacing its population through immigration.

- Certain states, like Nebraska and Iowa, are trying to encourage people to settle in their states.

Furthermore, in the 19th century, most immigrants lived in slums and probably would have been on welfare if such a thing had existed back then. However, these original immigrants' children and grandchildren became productive members of society.

[Dante3]

Of course this country is overcrowded. While there are many unsettled areas, most of them do not have the water supply to support a town. Back in the early days there was a need for more immigrants, but not any more - certainly not immigrants who are from hostile countries and refuse to even learn English but demand all kinds of special services.

I know of many historical and scenic areas that have been destroyed for tacky housing developments. The population has been growing and growing (if you don't believe me, just look up the statistics) while the amount of land remains the same and certain resources are dwindling.

An interesting discussion of overcrowding can be found in "The Pump House Gang" by Tom Wolfe, Ch. 15 (O Rotten Gotham - Sliding Down into the Behavioral Sink)