Essay On Patrick J Buchanans To Reunite A Nation

Patrick J. Buchanan's “To Reunite a Nation” is an interesting article. It is clearly written to win the confidence of voters but, nonetheless, he delivers a sound argument about the advantages and disadvantages of immigration, and the ideal balance to be found.
Buchanan’s main argument is that immigration, both legal and illegal, has become out of control in America and is detrimental to the nation’s social progress. He concludes the article by outlining the measures he would make, as president, to solve the problems he claims exist. He wishes to lower the cap on immigration each year, and to develop a system where immigrants are chosen based on their skills, or their close relationship to people who have already immigrated. He says: “As President, I will ask Congress to reduce new entry visas to 300,000 a year” (Buchanan).
In terms of evidence, Buchanan uses various statistics, such as those proving that there is a higher ratio of immigrants on welfare benefits than the ratio of American born individuals on the same welfare. Furthermore, he quotes a variety of American leaders in their opinions on immigration. This evidence effectively supports his argument but in a seemingly fair manner. However, the reader is left with the impression that he has been selective with which quotes he includes. Buchanan’s sources are largely quotes. Some of these include, Al Gore, Ben Franklin, and Deng Xiaoping. Furthermore, he mentions other sources such as the “National Academy of Sciences report on the economic consequences of immigration” (Buchanan), among others.
The author appeals to traditional America values at several points through his article. His mention of the American Dream is particularly memorable; this is a value almost every American can understand and relate to, even if they don’t agree with it.