Power always seeks to expand. It never halts for principles or words on paper; it halts only for rival powers strong enough to resist it. Those rivals must have deep roots, independent resilience, and the ability to demand loyalty. They must project sovereignty in ways the state cannot easily replicate, establishing spheres of influence that can resist government overreach without ever firing a shot. Robust middle-class communities are the best way to create these spheres of sovereignty, which is why the state uses immigration to destroy them.

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