The Devaluation of National Interest

In his article “’National Security’ as an Ambiguous Symbol,’” Arnold Wolfers explains that national interest and national security should be based on the values of the country as a whole. One value that America upholds is that of freedom. The United States was built on immigrants and refugees seeking freedom from their oppressors. Within the first seven months of his presidency, Donald Trump has begun a battle against this value. During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to build a wall to keep illegal immigrants out of the United States. He attempted to enact a “Muslim” ban, keeping people from specific Islamic countries from entering the U.S. The President has also reduced America’s intake of refugees. He claims to be making America great again and using his power to protect and promote the ideals of the American people. Unfortunately, since he has become President, Donald Trump has removed quite a few of the American people, or those who hoped to one day become citizens of the United States.

Have immigrants and refugees compromised our nation’s security? To this question, our President would respond yes. He could say that they are taking our jobs and hurting our economy. He could say that they are radicals sneaking into the United States to attack us. We could choose to believe a number of things about these people and their effects on how “secure” we feel. Is it right to automatically assume that all refugees from Islamic countries are terrorists just because it makes us feel safer? Is it right to encourage ICE to come in the middle of the night to drag immigrants out of there homes? The security that we feel because of the injustices done to others has removed their right to security as well. Is our nation not one of equality, justice, and freedom?

I pose the question, how far is too far? At what point are we being more discriminatory than secure? How can we as Americans support the proposal to lift DACA? How can we agree to keep refugees out because of their religion? How far will this devaluation of national interest extend?