Immigration Commentary
1. June 6, 1804
“Ought the emigration of foreigners to be encouraged by our government?”
Decided in the Negative.
The Philomathesian Society decided that immigration to America should not be encouraged. By expressing worries about immigration, the members of the Society elude to an anti-foreigner feeling on campus and in everyday American society. The lack of international students at Middlebury College during this time reflected these views by the students.
9. March 29, 1815
“Ought foreigners to be prohibited from holding any office under government of the United States?”
Decided in the Affirmative.
The Society decided that foreigners should in fact be barred from holding office in the United States government. The Society reflects the views of the student body that only Americans can lead in this country and that the students do not feel comfortable with a foreigner in a position of power. This anti-foreign view reflects both the student body’s attitude toward different people, and the actual people that make up the student body.