When the history of the US is written several hundred years from now and people try to figure out what caused the downfall of the world's greatest and most powerful nation, the historians will point to the 1965 Immigration Act as the linchpin event that changed this nation forever.
I wish I could be more optimistic. When I joined the chorus on FR saying that the reelection of Obama would destroy this country, I was not using hyperbole. I believed it then and I believe it now.
My family are the successful products of the ‘65 Immigration act. This act allowed people who escaped from Communist countries to go to the from of the line when applying for U.S visas / GreenCards. This act allowed for 65,000 or so immigrants a year.
Most people who wish to emigrate (or escape their current predicament) are the kind of people America has always welcomed. From the Pilgrims (even Puritans :) )through the ages - (Elis Island).
Some people only come here to work, make some money, then go home.
Yes, allow a mechanism to become a U.S. citizen - BUT make the process last 10 to 15 years. After this time frame these people - mostly hardworking - but not all, have effectively become Americans.
The issues associated with Welfare are a problem created by politics - DemonRats specifically but not exclusively.