Being that the nation we now know as the United States has been built to its present form by the diversity of its citizens, the flow of foreign culture, and the need to improve and sustain. After all, foreign films, music, and television have gone on the rise for American consumption, people choose from multiple ethnic foods, and cultural exhibitions and fairs draw huge crowds. So why is it, that the mention of immigration or open borders causes such a backlash?

Immigration is one of those issues that divides, and not only on an ideological basis. Think about it. Bring up immigration to one who has a more conservative ideology. They will explain the need for harsher border controls, the idea that immigrants will steal American jobs, and tax our social initiatives. The funny part is this. After parking his BMW he will do it while wearing clothes not made in America, watching the World Cup and cheering for Brazil and eating pizza, while in the break room of the local Toyota plant.

I have written here about the issue at the border before. How it is a humanitarian crisis and how America is partly responsible due to its actions throughout the western hemisphere. One way to boost the economies, better the healthcare, create a sustainable workforce, and deal with crime and natural disasters is create a North/South American corridor like the EU. A full open borders policy. And yes, it can be done while still allowing national sovereignty for nations involved.

Like the Eu, every member nation will have officials that speak on their behalf during all negotiations, from crime control to trade deals and health initiatives. So lets look at just a few areas that would be improved by a full western open border and union of nations.

First is the most obvious, the border border. Free flow travel and residence capabilities would make it easier for those fleeing violent area (such as cartel issues in places like Juarez). It would allow for easier logistics to and from areas of natural resources need for manufacturing, faster transport ability for perishables, and vacation income for the areas that rely on the influx of money of visitors.

With this style of union, each member nation will have access to innovations that they would not otherwise have. While intellectual property rights would be retained with the person or business, all member nations would have access to it (by proper agreement with the rights holder). Manufacturing would have a continuous pool of labor, raw materials and better chance of financially sound business. It opens the markets for freer movement and would incorporate all socio-economic and geographical areas and peoples.

In the area of health concerns, especially in areas of most need due to natural disasters, pandemic, etc., Aid would be able to isolate problem health issues and areas as well as render aid more effectively and efficiently. It would be easier for international health monitors to work without jurisdictional problems arising.

In the areas of crime, it would be better as well. While there would be jurisdictional lines and boundaries, if crime crosses a border the quicker ability for joint investigation and apprehension would not have hindrances of going through each country’s version of the US State Department. While local lines would not be overstepped, there would be ready and available cooperation between agencies. It would also allow faster, better equipped, and more manned operations for apprehension and elimination of threats (such as cartels or known terrorist organizations). This also allows for a more powerful response for member nations if attacked by outside forces (such as an attack by Russia or China against any member nation).

And open border and western hemisphere union is not only a way to end a humanitarian crisis, it also aids economically, within the criminal justice initiatives, health concern wise, and militarily.

Despite the hope that America will again rise to its once place of prominence on the global stage, what we are seeing is the same every other great national empire has seen. The fading of this nation into the twilight of its global glory to be placed into same category of the British Empire, the Roman Empire, and yes, even the former grandeur of the Russia of the cold war.

Within the next few decades, we see the rise of areas like China and India rise to take positions on the global stage that the US has held since the middle of the 20th century. The go-it-alone, isolationist mentality will do more to harm the nation than it will do to save it. It is time to start seeing the reality of America’s waning prominence and influence and start putting things into place that will not only save this nation but create a western hemisphere alliance that creates aid, crime control, and economic stability.