Immigration and U.S. Population Growth: An Environmental Perspective (NPG Special Report)
- Mark Nowak
- September 1, 1997
- Forum Papers
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An NPG Forum Paper
by Mark W. Nowak
September 1997
Controversy over U.S. immigration policy is by no means new to the political landscape. Since 1819, when Congress passed the first significant law regulating immigration into the United States, successive debates over immigration have stirred emotions and polarized perceptions. It is not surprising, then, to find that environÂmentalists, confronted by the issue with inÂcreasing frequency, are by no means in agreement about the relationship between immigration and the environment.
On the one hand are those who argue that immigration, notwithstanding the benefits it provides, is fundamentally a form of popuÂlation growth. Therefore, say supporters of this position, levels of immigration must be reduced (and fertility held at replaceÂment-level or below) if we are to move toward environmental sustainability in the United States.
Others argue that treating immigration as an environmental issue is a wrong-headed approach to environmental protecÂtion. Rather than focusing on inimigraÂlion, say these proponents, the environment would be better served by adÂdressing issues such as Americans’ hyper-consuming lifestyle. which are more to blame for our environmental ills.
It’s true that numerous factors—includÂing the high consumption rates of Americans — contribute substantially to environmental degradation, but diminishing or discounting the real role that immigration plays make little sense. All other factors being equal, the enÂvironmental consequences of human activity increase with the growth of the population. This essential relationship is nearly universally recognized— particularly among environmenÂtal and population groups—as one of the funÂdamental bases for providing international population stabilization funding.
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- OUR DEMOGRAPHIC FUTURE: WHY POPULATION POLICY MATTERS TO AMERICA - June 1, 1998
- Our Demographic Future: Why Population Policy Matters to America - January 16, 1998
- Immigration and U.S. Population Growth: An Environmental Perspective (NPG Special Report) - September 1, 1997