President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation
Proclamations—officially, Proclamation No. 93 and Proclamation No. 95— ordered
freedom for slaves. Shortly after, he issued Proclamation No. 105, relating to
aliens. Notably, his presidency was the
first to marshal executive power to address race and immigration
simultaneously. In both instances, he believed that America’s different people
needed to be united, not divided. History proved him correct.
Lincoln had the backing of Congress.
They passed the first conscription act in American history. All males between 20
and 45, including aliens with the intention of becoming citizens, were required
to register.
A person could buy an exemptions
from the draft for $300 or by finding a substitute draftee. This policy caused draft
riots in New York City, where protesters were outraged that exemptions were
effectively granted only to the wealthiest U.S. citizens.
This is an interesting backdrop for President Donald Trump, who avoided
the Viet Nam draft by claiming a foot problem. Then and now, wealthy New
Yorkers got a pass. The policy difference is how the two presidents view aliens. Lincoln believed they were needed to ensure America’s survival. Trump’s policy of forcibly discharging aliens who volunteer for military service is premised on a house divided concept.
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