Stephen Miller Targets America’s Immigrant Legacy: Part I
Stephen Miller has emerged as a pivotal figure in shaping America’s immigration policy during the Trump administration. His influence extends beyond immigration, touching on various aspects of the populist-nationalist agenda. Unlike other advisers, Miller has actively engaged in public discourse, justifying controversial policies through aggressive rhetoric across social media and television.
Tracing Miller’s Ancestry
Understanding Stephen Miller’s legacy necessitates examining his personal history. His ancestors arrived in the United States in 1903, fleeing persecution in czarist Russia. Wolf Laib Glosser, a key family figure, disembarked at Ellis Island, determined to build a better life and assist his relatives in escaping the same hardships.
- Year of Arrival: 1903
- Departure Location: Antopol, part of the czarist Russian Empire (now Belarus)
- Family Business: Built a successful haberdashery, which later expanded into a chain of supermarkets.
Miller’s grandmother, Ruth Glosser, documented their family’s history, emphasizing the struggles faced by Jewish immigrants. Despite hardships, Wolf Laib successfully brought more family members to America, an achievement contrasted by the grim fate of many who remained behind during World War II.
Historical Context of Nativism
Miller’s views resonate with historical nativism, a movement characterized by anti-immigrant sentiment. Early 20th-century Americans viewed newcomers from Southern and Eastern Europe as a threat to civilization, advocating for policies that favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe. This mentality culminated in the Immigration Act of 1924, which drastically reduced immigration from desired groups.
The 1924 law aimed to restrict immigration based on ethnicity and perpetuated a narrative of “social degeneracy” among newcomers. Despite this history, Miller has praised the 1924 Act, associating it with America’s past peak as a global power.
Miller’s Ongoing Anti-Immigrant Agenda
Under Miller’s guidance, immigration policy has shifted dramatically. The current administration has aimed to tighten refugee admission rates and ended Temporary Protected Status for many individuals fleeing adversity. These changes signify a departure from longstanding bipartisan norms regarding refugee admissions.
- Refugee Admission FY 2023: 7,500 (down from 125,000 under previous administrations)
- Population of Concern: Over 40 million refugees worldwide
Miller’s strategy involves restricting legal immigration avenues, evidenced by rising application denial rates. His approach prioritizes numerical quotas over humanitarian considerations, often targeting individuals already integrated into American society.
Conclusion
The evolution of immigration policies under Miller reflects a broader ideological shift, one deeply rooted in historical narratives of nativism. Understanding Miller’s background and his policies is essential for grasping the complexities of American immigration debates at present.
As this narrative unfolds, it is crucial to consider the implications of these policies for America’s immigrant legacy and the nation’s values of inclusion and compassion.
