Immigration policy sits at the crossroads of law, economics, ethics, and global cooperation. This debate examines whether a country should limit entry based exclusively on what it defines as its “national interest,” a concept that shifts across administrations, economic cycles, and public sentiment. The discussion explores how states balance security, labor needs, cultural identity, human rights obligations, and demographic pressures while navigating international norms shaped after major global conflicts. It also raises questions about who gets to define national interest, how those definitions evolve, and what responsibilities wealthier or more stable nations owe to individuals seeking opportunity, safety, or reunion with family. By revisiting historic migration waves, modern mobility trends, and cross-border interdependence, this topic challenges participants to consider how much authority a government should wield over movement—and how that power shapes economies, communities, and global stability.