The Rational Egoist Podcast with Michael Liebowitz: The Constitutionality of Immigration Laws with Professor Ilya Somin

The Rational Egoist Podcast with Michael Liebowitz: The Constitutionality of Immigration Laws with Professor Ilya Somin In this episode of The Rational Egoist Podcast, host Michael Liebowitz interviews Professor Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, on the constitutionality of immigration laws. They delve into the fact that there is nothing in the Constitution that gives the government the right to regulate or restrict immigration, and that this assumption is inferred to exist from the government's sovereign power. They also discuss the origins of immigration laws, such as the indentured servitude contract that many immigrants had to sign in the past, and the unconstitutional Chinese exclusion laws that were based on racist fears. They argue that people crossing borders should not be restricted because they have individual human rights and the right to pursue a better life in another country. Furthermore, they debunk common myths about immigrants, such as the assumption that they will automatically receive citizenship or overburden the welfare state. They point out that citizenship and immigration are separate issues, and that immigrants are restricted from receiving welfare benefits for a certain period of time. They also argue that the welfare state is unconstitutional, as it uses the labor of one person to pay for another, and that restrictions on welfare eligibility should apply to everyone, not just immigrants. They also address the fears that people have regarding immigration, such as drug trafficking and overburdening the welfare state. They argue that these fears are unfounded, as individuals cannot be assumed to be drug dealers without conviction and statistics have shown that immigrants produce more than they use in terms of welfare benefits. They also point out that many immigrants have contributed to the economy through innovation and entrepreneurship. Finally, they argue that limiting the power of government to both grant welfare and reduce immigration is the better argument, and that people have the inalienable right to seek a better life. They criticize the government's use of power to force people to live in oppressive situations, such as Venezuela and Cuba, and stress the importance of individual human rights and freedoms Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand. After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.