Why is this?

[middleagedgamer]

Why is the right of abode not universal? Some countries allow citizens of other countries to come to their country for a short time, to promote tourism and international commerce (for example, Hong Kong allows Americans to tour their city-state for up to 90 days without a visa); however, if you want to get a job in that area, you can't just buy Rosetta Stone to learn their language, and fly on over there. You have to get a visa, which, more often than not, involves more headaches than listening to your wife during that time of the month.

Why do countries not allow a universal right of abode? Shouldn't going from the US to China be as legally easy as going from California to Hawaii (meaning you can't just drive there; you need to get on a plane, but once you do that, no border control is going to stop you or deport you if you stay too long).

Outside of national security and fighting terrorism (which fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, not the Department of State), I see no point on having an immigration office or visa policy. People get mad that Hispanics are coming up here and taking our jobs; hell, if I could afford the Rosetta Stone, the plane ticket, and the cost of relocation, I'd consider going to Beijing, where jobs are like water on a beach (in America, jobs are like water in a desert). The problem is that the visa makes international travel such a pain in the ass that most people don't bother, unless they have the small grace period for touring.

I'll admit it: The thought has crossed my mind a time or two about migrating up to Canada; hey free health care, lower taxes, slightly more jobs (the medium-sized companies that can't afford an overseas job shipment instead go up to Canada), and less international presence because they only have enough military to defend themselves if invaded. Hey, I'm all for that! Also, I've heard (although I don't know if it's true or not) that working for six months in America, making minimum wage, can buy you a mansion in Jamaica for the rest of your life. However, the visa process was ridiculously complicated, and even then, my visa expert up in Montreal advised me over email to think about this some more, because changing countries is one of the biggest life changes in existence, as opposed to simply changing states.

Shouldn't I have the same right to simply go to Canada, Mexico, or China, as I do California, Nevada, or Alaska? Why do nations make us go through so much red tape just to move houses because we found a job?

 

[MrFungus420]

Because they are nations and not subdivisions of nations.

You talk glibly about moving to Canada. Do you have a professional skill that they want or can you make a "donation" of about C$400,000? If not, don't expect to be granted citizenship.

 

[Real Korimyr #9]

Shouldn't I have the same right to simply go to Canada, Mexico, or China, as I do California, Nevada, or Alaska? Why do nations make us go through so much red tape just to move houses because we found a job?

No, you should not have that right, any more than members of those nations should have the right to come here. California, Nevada, and Alaska are American territories. China and Mexico are not, and they belong to the Chinese and the Mexicans-- who have the right to decide for themselves who they will allow into their countries and for what purpose.

Those nations aren't making you go through a bunch of red tape for fun. They're trying to make sure that their nations only accept immigrants who are capable of belonging in their country, and eventually settling in and becoming part of the native population.

Only country on your list I'd like to see a more liberalized immigration policy regarding is Canada-- because every step closer our two governments take is a step closer to reunification.

 

[Manc Skipper]

No, you should not have that right, any more than members of those nations should have the right to come here. California, Nevada, and Alaska are American territories. China and Mexico are not, and they belong to the Chinese and the Mexicans-- who have the right to decide for themselves who they will allow into their countries and for what purpose.

Those nations aren't making you go through a bunch of red tape for fun. They're trying to make sure that their nations only accept immigrants who are capable of belonging in their country, and eventually settling in and becoming part of the native population.

Only country on your list I'd like to see a more liberalized immigration policy regarding is Canada-- because every step closer our two governments take is a step closer to reunification.

I'm not sure if the Commonwealth would let you back in.... :2razz:

 

[Real Korimyr #9]

I'm not sure if the Commonwealth would let you back in.... :2razz:

Given the state of the governments of England and Australia, I'm not too keen on this Commonwealth business either. :kitty:

But Canada and the United States have been one nation under two governments for far too long. Our people should be united.