Student Question
Why does William Birney in "Deporting Mohammedans" (1897) believe the immigration officials' actions set a dangerous precedent?
Quick answer:
William Birney believes the immigration officials' actions set a dangerous precedent because excluding Muslims for their religion could lead to the exclusion of anyone who disagrees with those in power. He argues that Congress has no right to banish individuals based on beliefs, emphasizing that only actions should be restricted. Additionally, allowing such deportations undermines America's role in promoting global religious tolerance and freedom.
William Birney thinks that the action of the immigration officials sets a dangerous precedent because if Muslims can be excluded from the United States simply for being Muslims, then anyone who disagrees with the opinions of those who happen to be in office at the time may, in future, be excluded on that basis.
Birney continues his argument with the assertion that Congress has no right to banish anyone for his/her religion, or for any other belief. It is "the glory of our country" that anyone may believe anything. Only actions may be restricted or punished, not thoughts.
There is a further argument that if Americans allow Turkish Muslims to be deported, then they will have no right to complain if American Christians are sent home from Turkey. The precedent, therefore, operates not only in America, where religious tolerance is supposed to be guaranteed, but worldwide. It is the role of liberal democracies to set the best possible precedent of civilization and freedom for the world to follow.
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