The subject of a border wall between America and Mexico along the Rio Grande River emerged as a significant issue during the presidential election, with Mr. Trump proclaiming he would build one and that Mexico would pay for it, viewing that nation as a primary cause of the problem. Enemies of Mr. Trump criticized this plan, arguing that no wall can stop an airplane from flying over it, though the practicality remains that most emigrants cross by walking, driving, or swimming, not by flying, as few have the means to afford air travel. Massive numbers of people emigrate due to life-and-death circumstances, often driven by fear of starvation and the hopelessness of remaining in their current situation, seeking a better life elsewhere. Mismanaged national economies are a major cause of these large-scale migration movements witnessed in recent decades. Despite America permitting more emigration than all other nations combined, the impact is more visible in European countries, though costs in the United States are becoming increasingly evident. The total of illegal, Spanish-speaking immigrants in America has reached an astounding 12 million, creating a transformation forced upon citizens without their vote, driven by leadership and external influences. This influx is likened to an invasion by a massive army of hungry people, with no wall available to stop it. In cities like Laredo, McAllen, El Paso, and Brownsville, Texas, as well as El Centro, Merced, and Yuma, Arizona, the majority population is Mexican, and sixty million residents nationwide speak a language other than English at home, representing 20% of the total population. Additionally, 44 states offer driver's licenses in multiple languages, with some states providing them in over 20 languages. Immigrants are also bringing diseases such as measles, mumps, and chickenpox, with rising cases reported in both Germany and the United States, posing threats that no physical barrier can prevent. Tragic incidents, such as the recent death of eight illegal adults in the back of a truck in San Antonio, highlight the dire consequences of this situation, which has been exacerbated by a lack of accountability from representatives cooperating with external forces.

Europe's long-standing policy of loose immigration, rooted in pluralism and multiculturalism, has led to a significant influx of immigrants, many from predominantly Muslim countries. This has been largely welcomed by European governments due to the availability of cheap labor and the need to offset low native birthrates, with immigrant birthrates often tripling those of the local population. However, this demographic shift has set the stage for cultural conflict, bringing ethnic and religious tensions to a boiling point. The brutal murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh by a radicalized son of a Moroccan immigrant, following van Gogh's critical film on the treatment of women in Muslim countries, has intensified these tensions. In response, the Netherlands, known for its tolerance, has declared a crackdown on radical Islam, with proposals to deport Islamic extremists, even if they are citizens, while acts of violence such as mosque burnings have sparked reprisals against Christian churches. Other European nations are also reevaluating their positions after decades of unchecked immigration and poor societal integration. German leaders are demanding better integration from Muslims, warning against parallel societies and cultural conflicts, with some advocating for a renewed emphasis on patriotism and a dominant German culture. Similar sentiments are echoed in Denmark, where the prime minister has criticized young Muslims of immigrant origin for not embracing democratic principles. European media outlets are amplifying these concerns, highlighting the failure of multiculturalism and calling for strict measures against extremist influences. The cultural push from Muslim immigration is creating pressure across Europe, challenging the notion that all cultures are equal and can coexist harmoniously. With Muslims outpacing native Europeans in population growth, there is a growing fear that Islamic culture could dominate, prompting a potential return to a nominally Christian identity as a countermeasure. This ongoing crisis illustrates the complexities of immigration and integration, revealing the difficulties of maintaining harmony when diverse cultures clash within a shared space.

Immigration trends in American history follow a cyclical pattern, aligning with the broader saecular rhythm of 80-100 years that defines British-American historical cycles. Immigration tends to climb during an Awakening period, peak in an Unraveling, and fall during a Crisis. The climb reflects increasing social mobility, rising public tolerance, pluralist-minded leaders, and loosening social controls. The reversal in the Unraveling era is marked by a sudden nativist backlash, as seen in the 1850s, 1920s, and 1990s. The subsequent fall during a Crisis coincides with aggressive efforts to protect the nation, and immigration is often viewed as unsafe by the community and unattractive to potential newcomers. Currently, the U.S. appears to be in the late stages of an Unraveling, with illegal immigration still increasing due to hopes of amnesty programs. Massive marches, demonstrations, walk-outs, and the Day Without an Immigrant boycott, alongside an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country, point to a peak in this cycle. Political hesitancy, a complicit media casting illegal immigration positively, and businesses favoring cheap labor contribute to the current favorable climate for illegal immigrants. However, signs of change are emerging with independent media highlighting less favorable views, the growing popularity of the Minutemen Project's voluntary border patrols, and public perception of immigrant marches under foreign flags as more akin to an invasion than a civil rights movement. Throughout over half a millennium of historical cycles, immigration consistently emerges as a contentious issue preceding a national crisis, serving as an indicator of the national mood. While it may not be the direct catalyst for the next crisis, the building pressure surrounding immigration clearly contributes to the overall societal fragmentation that leads to such a crisis.