A Controversial Discussion on Cultural Compatibility and Immigration
New York Post financial correspondent Lydia Moynihan sparked a heated debate during a CNN segment when she claimed that certain cultures are “not compatible” with the United States. The conversation took place on “Table For Five,” where host Abby Phillip pressed Moynihan for clarification, asking, “Which ones?”
Moynihan responded by citing examples of cultural practices that she believes should not be introduced into American society. She specifically mentioned female genital mutilation, which occurs in Somalia, and stated that it is acceptable to express concerns about such practices being brought into the country.
This discussion came after President Donald Trump made controversial remarks earlier in the week while speaking in Pennsylvania. He boasted about his immigration policies, referring to countries like Afghanistan, Haiti, and Somalia as “hellholes.” Later, he admitted that he had called those places “** countries.” Trump questioned why the U.S. only accepted people from such regions, suggesting that they could also take individuals from countries like Norway or Sweden.
Phillip pointed out that Trump’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the Republican Party, where some believe that only white people or immigrants from European countries should be allowed into the U.S. Moynihan, however, defended her stance by emphasizing that the issue is not racial but rather cultural.
“I think it’s important to have a conversation about [how] America is not a charity,” Moynihan said. “We have the opportunity and the ability to select who we want to come in and who we think is going to contribute economically and culturally.”
She then discussed the number of Somali households in Minnesota that receive government assistance and highlighted fraud schemes involving defendants of Somali descent. Moynihan argued that the U.S. should focus on selecting the “best of the best” when it comes to immigration, stating that there are certain cultures that may not align with American values.
The Debate Over Cultural Compatibility
Phillip continued to press Moynihan on the question of which cultures she considered incompatible with the U.S. In response, Moynihan referenced a case in the U.K., where two Afghan teen asylum seekers were convicted of rape. She suggested that some cultures may be more accepting of practices like rape and female genital mutilation.
The discussion extended beyond the initial topic, as sports journalist Bomani Jones joined the conversation. He questioned the logic behind the administration’s focus on white South Africans as a preferred immigrant group, asking, “If the argument is cultural compatibility, what would make white South Africans culturally compatible and Black ones not?”
Moynihan acknowledged that she had not seen any specific memo outlining these criteria, leaving the question unanswered.
Broader Implications of the Conversation
The exchange on CNN highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the role of cultural compatibility in determining who should be allowed into the U.S. While some argue that the focus should be on economic contributions and individual merit, others believe that cultural values must also be considered.
The discussion also brings attention to the current administration’s efforts to restrict the number of refugees admitted annually. Most of those accepted are white South Africans, raising questions about the selection process and the underlying motivations.
As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how these issues will shape future immigration policies and public discourse. The debate over cultural compatibility is likely to persist, with differing opinions on what defines an ideal immigrant and how the U.S. should approach its diverse population.