It is sad to see conservative politicians across the Atlantic calling for stricter restrictions on immigration, as I understand the protection of liberty is one of the most important cause of conservative principles. Arendt wrote -
Freedom meant that one could do as one pleased, forced neither by the bidding of a master nor by some physical necessity that demanded laboring for wages in order to sustain the body nor by some somatic handicap such as ill health or the paralysis of the members. According to Greek etymology, that is, according to Greek self-interpretation, the root of word for freedom eleutheria, is eleuthein hopos ero, to go as I wish, and there is no doubt that the basic freedom was understood as freedom of movement. A person was free who could move as he wished. (Arendt. "Willing" )
She also wrote -
Being able to depart for where we will is the prototypical gesture of being free, as limitation of freedom of movement has from time immemorial been the precondition for enslavement. Freedom of movement is also the indispensable condition for action, and it is in action that men primarily experience freedom in the world. (Arendt. "On Humanity in Dark Times")
Of course, Arendt was not "conservative" per se, but what she wrote about freedom is important. I support liberal immigration policy, not just because it is good for economy (it is) or it helps poorer countries more directly (it does), but also because it concerns the fundamental values upon which our society is built.
