Conservatives know that when the American Left wants us to “have a conversation” about an issue, it means they get to talk incessantly until we agree with them.

To progressives, there is one, approved view on a given issue and all others are atavistic throwbacks to an era before “progress.”

Observe that humans (and all mammals) come in two sexes, and you are a “transphobe.”

Suggest it is unfair for males to compete against females in sports and unsafe for men to share prison cells with women, and it is “hate speech.”

Declare that America is about equal opportunity, not equal outcomes, and uphold merit over race- and sex-based discrimination, and you are racist and misogynistic.

Argue against mass illegal immigration, and you are xenophobic at best, racist at worst.

The Washington Post recently printed an opinion piece by David Bier of the Cato Institute. Bier and I have appeared together several times on panel discussions, so I know his views.

Bier is a libertarian. He believes that immigration should be constrained only by supply and demand, not limited by the government. Where there is a willing employer and a willing employee, he argues, who are we to interfere? To support this view, Bier also argues that immigrants are net contributors to the U.S. economy and that they commit less crime.

My view—shaped by a career serving as a diplomat overseas in developing countries—is that worldwide demand for the American lifestyle exceeds any possible supply, so we need numerical and other limits. It is Congress’ prerogative to set those parameters in law. And it is the president’s constitutional duty to enforce these laws, not ignore them or circumvent them by executive fiat.

Bier and I do agree on a few things; first, that open borders cannot long coexist with a welfare state that provides any newcomer with free health care, education, housing, and income. Second, we agree that whatever........

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