Manhattan Institute VP Jesse Arm Sparks Debate: "Legal Immigration Is Not Inherently Good Immigration"

Jesse Arm, Vice President of External Affairs at the Manhattan Institute, ignited discussion with a recent social media post asserting, "Legal immigration is not inherently good immigration." The statement, shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, challenges the common perception that all immigration adhering to legal frameworks automatically benefits the host nation.

Arm, known for his commentary on policy and politics, serves at a conservative think tank and has a background in political consulting and government relations, including work for Republican Senator Tom Cotton. His tweet suggests a nuanced perspective on immigration policy, moving beyond mere legality to question the qualitative aspects and societal impact of immigrant flows. The Manhattan Institute frequently publishes research and analysis on urban policy, economics, and social issues, often from a conservative viewpoint.

The statement resonates with broader debates among policymakers and academics regarding the criteria for "beneficial" immigration. Discussions often revolve around factors such as economic contributions, cultural integration, skill sets of immigrants, and potential strains on public services. Critics of current immigration systems sometimes argue that while legal, certain immigration streams may not align with national interests or could pose challenges to social cohesion or economic stability.

Conversely, proponents of broad legal immigration often highlight the economic dynamism, cultural enrichment, and demographic benefits that immigrants bring. They emphasize that legal pathways are essential for orderly processes and that the focus should be on effective integration and maximizing the positive contributions of all immigrants. Arm's tweet, however, prompts a deeper examination of these underlying assumptions, suggesting that the "legality" of immigration is a procedural minimum, not an inherent guarantee of positive outcomes.