The next set of policy implications relates to immigration policy. The United
States will continue to grow at a faster rate than nearly all European Union nations
because of a somewhat higher birth rate—particularly among recent immigrants—
and because of the flow of immigrants. Americans by and large cherish the nation’s
self-image as a beacon of hope for people throughout the world who come to seek
a better life. At the same time—just as was true 100 years ago—immigration creates
social strains and resentments, as well as very strong pressures for immigrants
to assimilate into American culture. Just as with the major wave of immigration in
the late 1800s and early 1900s, many first-generation immigrants will retain their
own language and, to some extent, their customs, but their children will rapidly
become assimilated. At the same time, immigration policy must balance between
encouraging immigration to ensure that population growth and its economic benefits
continue, and ensuring national security, particularly after the events of September
11, 2001, after which a number of reforms were made to immigration policy and
management. These policies are intended to keep criminals and terrorists out of the
United States while admitting the people we want to come and live here, but these
policies may have the effect of discouraging immigration.