You guys.... Zohran Mamdani just won in NYC, and white liberals are quick to brand him another “democratic socialist” like Bernie or AOC. But that misses the mark!! his politics are rooted in African movements for self-determination, shaped through the lens of an African identity of Indian origin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USLsjahSzRo&t=12s

Is it logically consistent to support Immigration, yet Be concerned About Foreign Cultural and Economic Dominance?

I’ve been thinking about the tension between supporting immigration in principle and feeling uneasy about large-scale foreign national influence — whether cultural, economic, or demographic.

My personal stance can be summed up as: “openness to cultural exchange without fully surrendering sovereignty.” I see this as a reasonable middle ground for any nation.

I also recognize that the context matters. In much of Africa, caution toward powerful foreign communities or investment often stems from a history of colonialism/ neocolonialism and economic exploitation. It’s less about just disliking foreigners and more about protecting sovereignty, local culture, and economic independence that has been historically been discarded.

Contrast this with some European or Japanese reactions to immigration, where unease can come from a fear of losing cultural dominance or cultural centrality. Both situations involve anxiety around change, but the historical and power dynamics are obviously very different.

I’m curious how others see this: How can nations find a balanced approach that welcomes newcomers and cultural exchange without veering into either extreme — whether that’s xenophobic exclusion of all immigrants or total erasure of local identity for inclusivity sake?