If the USA Did Not Allow Immigration After 1776: Alternative Destinations for Immigrants

Imagine a world where the United States of America, after gaining independence in 1776, decided to close its borders to immigration. How would our ancestors have fared? This question prompts an exploration of their alternative paths, especially for those of German, Irish, and Hessian descent.

German Ancestors and the Farming Frontier

After 1776, the newly formed United States found itself embroiled in a bitter war with Britain. To tip the scales in their favor, the Continental Congress offered 50 acres to any Hessians willing to defect. This incentive was well-received by many who were skilled in craftsmanship and agriculture. Even without such inducements, my German immigrant ancestors, skilled in barn construction, farming, dairy, and artisanal food production, would likely have continued to thrive in their new homeland.

The census records during this period show a diverse range of agricultural activities by German settlers. They were not just farmers but also involved in various trades that supported their rural communities, much like those who stayed behind in the United States.

Irish Ancestors and Canada

My grandparents, emigrating from Ireland, would have faced significant challenges as the lush landscapes of Canada beckoned. They would likely have chosen the long journey to Canada, particularly to provinces like Ontario and Quebec, where there was a growing Irish and Catholic community. This region offered a familiar cultural milieu and a community that would support its members through thick and thin. The Irish immigrants to Canada faced their own hardships, but their communities helped them to establish themselves and often thrived in the face of adversity.

Austrian and Prussian Ancestors and Australia’s Promise

My father's ancestors, who were Quakers seeking refuge from persecution by the Puritans, eventually settled in New Jersey. However, if the USA had not allowed immigration, their paths would have diverged. Instead of seeking sanctuary in New Jersey, they might have ventured further afield to Australia. Australia's offer of land to immigrants in the 19th century would have been an attractive option for those seeking a new life away from the turbulence of their homelands. The conditions on the ships were challenging, but the promise of a new life, vast land, and a chance to create a better future made the journey worthwhile.

Personal Ancestral Stories: Austria and Mexico

My mother's ancestors, coming to the US in 1901, were from Austria and Prussia. Their journey was particularly tumultuous, as they met on the ship crossing the Atlantic. Having better connections compared to my father's ancestors, my grandfather had a secondary plan if the US was not welcoming. He planned to emigrate to Mexico, where his older brother was already successfully farming outside of Monterrey. My grandmother, an apprentice hatmaker, faced the prospect of marrying a farmer or continuing her craft in Breslau, but the allure of a new life in a different country was too tempting to resist.

While half of my ancestors were present before the USA closed its borders, most others would likely have found their way to alternative destinations. The idea that a government could enforce such restrictions is absurd. Borders are human constructs, and the human spirit to seek freedom and opportunity is unyielding. Limiting immigration cannot and should not be the norm. Legal or illegal, immigrants bring with them a wealth of cultural heritage, skills, and the unquenchable desire for a better life.

Conclusion

Immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and even those simply seeking a better life deserve the chance to contribute to our societies. The notion that the USA could (or should) remain closed to immigrants after 1776 is both unrealistic and inhumane. Human beings have a natural inclination to seek safety, prosperity, and a chance to build a future. Border policies should reflect this reality and be designed to support, rather than hinder, the aspirations of those who seek a brighter tomorrow.