Examining the Paradox of Illegal Migration Through Historical Lenses

The roots of migration to America extend far beyond the establishment of the United States. They can be traced back to the late 15th century when Christopher Columbus ‘discovered’ the New World. Historically, Western nations have often encouraged migration when it suited their interests. Contrast this with the current push to deport migrants to their home countries, a practice reminiscent of the treatment of migrants seen in India.

Settler Colonialism

In contrast to typical colonial conquests through military means, the settlement of North and South America, and later Australia and New Zealand, follows a unique historical pattern. Europeans did not simply conquer these territories; they planned their occupation meticulously over centuries, significantly reducing indigenous populations through various means.

During the colonial era, settlers used not only military force and weapons but also introduced diseases like smallpox and measles to native populations. Similarly, the Israel-Palestine conflict illustrates an ongoing process of displacement and settlement, albeit with partial outcomes.

Historical Context

Consider the case of Donald Trump’s grandfather, who fled Germany to avoid military service in 1885, thereby entering the United States illegally. Today, discussions about immigration often focus on the negative impacts of non-European migrants. However, similar attitudes were not applied to European settlers, especially those with criminal backgrounds.

While Russia has been releasing criminals to fight in Ukraine, Europe during the Renaissance era also used prisoners, criminals, and even slaves from West Africa to serve as settlers. This historical irony highlights the selective nature of immigration policies across different timelines.

Western Narrative and Historical Accuracy

The historical narratives taught in schools around the world often glorify European explorers and their achievements, downplaying or ignoring the contributions of other cultures.

For instance, Arab, Chinese, and Indian explorers had ventured into the new world before the Europeans. The spread of Buddhism from India to South and East Asian countries is evidence of extensive travel and migration by Indian seafarers. Similarly, Islam reached parts of Asia and Australasia centuries before European arrival.

Two famous explorers of note are Ibn Batuta and Ahmad ibn Majeed. Ibn Batuta journeyed 120,000 km, reaching diverse regions including China, while Majeed was integral to maritime navigation in the Indian Ocean, guiding explorers like Vasco da Gama.

Zheng He: China’s Forgotten Explorer

Admiral Zheng He, a Chinese Muslim explorer from the 15th century, undertook seven significant voyages across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. His expeditions spanned six centuries before Europe’s major explorations.

Gavin Menzies, a former British navy submarine commander, argued that Zheng He’s expedition reached North America in 1421, predating Columbus by 71 years. While this claim is debated among Western scholars, there is no dispute about the magnitude of Zheng He’s voyages.

Despite these accomplishments, Zheng He remains largely unknown outside of China. His expeditions should be part of global historical discourse. The significant contributions of these lesser-known explorers challenge the Eurocentric view of world history.

The Creation of Israel

A compelling example of selective immigration is the creation of Israel. Western nations, including Britain, France, and the United States, facilitated the migration of Jews to Palestine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This influx of settlers laid the groundwork for the establishment of Israel as a Zionist state on May 14, 1948. The migration’s strategic nature served political purposes, particularly in securing a military outpost in the Middle East.

It is important to note that the United States could have absorbed many of these migrants before the Holocaust, given its large, sparsely populated territories. This historical context questions the current discourse on illegal migration and political asylum.

Modern Migration Dynamics

The historical treatment of migration, particularly in relation to Europe and the Americas, sets a complex stage for contemporary discussions. The current narrative often centers on the negative impacts of illegal immigrants, yet the historical roots of these populations reveal a more nuanced story.

The selective nature of historical and current immigration policies can be seen in how European settlers were welcomed with open arms, while descendants of these migrants, especially non-Europeans, face deportations. This inconsistency in immigration practices raises questions about fairness and historical context.

Conclusion

Understanding the historical context of migration is crucial for forming more informed and equitable immigration policies. Revisiting and acknowledging the stories of explorers like Zheng He, Ibn Batuta, and Ahmad ibn Majeed can enrich our perspective on global history.

The complex history of illegal migration suggests that current policies may benefit from historical understanding. This includes recognizing the legacy of European settlement and the strategic motivations behind the migration of specific groups to specific regions.

As we navigate the challenges of modern migration, let us strive for a balanced and historically grounded approach. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive society grounded in the rich tapestry of global history.

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