3.4 Free Trade and Migration

3.4 Free Trade and Migration

We support the removal of governmental impediments to free trade. Political freedom and escape from tyranny demand that individuals not be unreasonably constrained by government in the crossing of political boundaries. Economic freedom demands the unrestricted movement of human as well as financial capital across national borders. However, we support control over the entry into our country of foreign nationals who pose a threat to security, health or property.

This is another excellent example of a clear principle, but it does need to be examined to be understood in the context of the real world. One of the unspoken but critical elements of free trade is the assumption of a level playing field. That is, all the participants have the same sort of man made barriers.

Take food imports for example. Many south American countries wish to import food into the United States because they can get the best prices for it here, and at the same time do not adhere to the same quality controls as the US growers. This inequality is abhorrent to free trade, and would not be permitted under a Libertarian government.

Worse, in many countries the government actively supports industries that wish to export to the US and other countries.

The Libertarian party stands against tariffs as a tool to equalize the playing field. If the product is comparable, and the conditions are as well, then let it go, otherwise stop it completely. The collection of a tariff is a bribe from a foreign company to have the US government look the other way.

Immigration should also be relatively easy. History shows us that a more open policy is economically good for the country. Of course, the Libertarian Party does not turn a blind eye to the reality that not all immigrants are simply looking for a better life. The government has the responsibility to stop everyone at the boarder and confirm their intentions and their legality before allowing them into the country.