Mass immigration was going on before there was a United States, so the views of the Founding Fathers almost had to be in agreement with the policy of letting in as many as WANTED to be here. In the 18th Century, immigration was a strenuous chore, enduring a sea voyage that could take up several weeks, which was a serious obstacle for many. Once here, the surest way to secure a position was to indenture oneself, first to get established while learning the new culture, and also to sharpen up and hone any skills brought from the former country. At the end of the indenture, as a freeman, many more opportunities beckoned, as territory to the west seemed to be opening up all the time. There was not much of going home, at least not until a sizable fortune had been accumulated.
Not true at all. Congress restricted immigration in the 1790s.
I think you make a good point. The article suggests that the founders saw no reason to *encourage* immigration. But certainly, I believe, they realized that people *would* immigrate here out of a desire for freedom and opportunity.