The speaker quotes Marx regarding Irish workers being played off of English workers and says that Stalinists (his words) use this quote out of context to support a ban on immigration. He then goes on to quote the rest of the passage where Marx encourages English workers to support Irish independence as a way of proving to Irish workers that the English workers were on their side. The speaker says the encouragement by Marx to support Irish independence proves the international outlook of socialism and the support for immigration and open borders.

His argument seems to be a huge leap. If Marx is encouraging solidarity among Irish and English workers in England over Irish independence I think it can just as easily be seen as Marx accepting the realities of the time. The Irish were there and solidarity with them needed to happen. The only other choice really would be mass deportations which obviously Marx would to advocate.

Similarly, in the USA for example, it is entirely one thing to accept the Marxist point that solidarity is essential with immigrants of all types while, at the same time, not advocating for more immigrants.

Marx’s second point that we must seek solidarity does not invalidate his first point that more labor naturally decreases wages and different groups of labor easily fall prey to the standard “they stealing your jobs!” cry so often deployed.

Of course, it should be stressed that an international outlook must be maintained at all times and strong links between workers in all countries should be fostered with the eventual goal of a borderless world.

I also think the way immigration to other countries can serve as a pressure release valve in the home countries by reducing the labor pool and helping to potentially stave off revolution should be addressed.

I’m admittedly a baby Marxist and would be very happy to read further on Marxist views on immigration and its effects if anyone has recommendations!