The Foreign Service Journal, October 2004

Huntington’s argument of regional concentrations. This is equally true for the political leanings of these migrants: current political polling is showing, for example, that more recent Mexican immigrants are more likely to be Republican than their pre- decessors. 10. Finally, Huntington overlooks another value which is inherent in our very beginnings: tolerance. Yes, our history is littered with shameful peri- ods of intolerance and discrimination, but such deviations have always been followed by resurgences of incorpora- tion and acceptance. Not only is that one of our prime values; it is part of the American psyche. Dealing with Reality Huntington seems to believe that it is both desirable and possible for the U.S. to prevent the current wave of immigration from having the deleteri- ous effects he fears. But countries are not static; neither are cultural values. There are external forces acting on all societies every single day, and we can- not wish or legislate or enforce that reality away. Perhaps this is why Huntington, properly mindful of the horrific responses undertaken by other societies who also felt threat- ened by this kind of diversity during the past century, offers no “solution,” no road map. One interesting irony comes from a poll on various countries’ attitudes towards immigration that Ipsos- Bimsa put out shortly after the appearance of Huntington’s article. The country most open to immigra- tion was Canada (where I am cur- rently serving), which has historically encouraged immigrants to populate its vast, relatively empty landscape. Interestingly, not far behind Canada in its openness to immigration was the U.S. More interesting still, the country least open to immigration and most concerned about loss of jobs and identity in the face of immi- gration was Mexico — the very coun- try (at least judging from the pro- nouncements of its intellectuals) most offended by Huntington’s expression of concerns about our national identity. But whatever one thinks of the merits of his stance, Huntington deserves our gratitude for moving this perennial debate to a new level. We should therefore avoid the trap of branding this scholar a racist. Waves of immigration, whatever their origins and destinations, are a defining element of globalization that need to be acknowledged and discussed. Open dialogue, especial- ly about contentious, even divisive matters, is also part of our tradition as a country. Such dialogue has always helped us figure out which path to take, and hopefully it will once again enable us to figure out how best to take advantage of this historic wave of immigration for our benefit. 66 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 4 You know that intimate, boutique all-suite hotel that everyone wants to find? The one that has cutting-edge style and service, but is still reasonably priced? You just found it! • Located minutes from State Department Headquarters • Government per diem accepted all year • Newly Renovated suites with full kitchens • Visit our new restaurant “Dish” For more information please visit www.theriverinn.com or call (202) 337-7600. L OTS OF S TYLE , N OT A LOT OF P R I CE 9 2 4 2 5 T H S T R E E T , NW W A S H I N G T O N , DC 2 0 0 3 7 Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” finder5@IX.netcom.com Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Executive Lodging Alternatives