I find the breadth of "anti-immigrant" and anti-refugee sentiment perplexing and deeply contrary to what are supposed to be universal moral principles. Each and every one of us could be forced by circumstances into another country. Would we really like it to be name-called, vandalized, attacked in the street, blamed individually and collectively for crime and economic problems we have nothing to do with? To make heroic efforts just to survive and be told that we're "stealing jobs and housing"?
Aren't we supposed to be caring for others in distress, not just our long-term neighbors? Aren't wanderers and refugees, those who lack roots and therefore community support, supposed to be the especial beneficiaries of our care? How is "they don't look like us, talk like us, or pray like us" supposed to be an excuse? Isn't it a greater act of love to reach out to those you can't easily identify with?
I know some people who have emigrated from the US to European countries. The first thing they do once they're there is to start complaining about the immigration problem. The level of cluelessness is astounding; though it's more transparent if you notice that the kinds of immigrants objected to are, more often than not, those with browner skin.
@DavidSalo it’s the mindset that someone has to lose, be at the bottom. Giving others a chance means they might end up doing better than the ones in charge now. No understanding that everyone might end up doing better and pushing others down doesn’t make you the winner.