Open to immigrants

Maritime nations like the US (and the British Empire of old) had policies that welcome immigrants, and I see that as a source of their power. By being open to immigrants, nations are able to fulfill their workforce requirements (not just the brains but also the brawn) to allow continued economic growth. This is especially pressing given that developed nations tend to have a demographic structure that is top heavy (look at Japan now). Singapore's history is weaved intricately with an immigrant society that eventually gave birth to one of the world's leading ports. But we must not forget that, as with all developed nations, we will face the top-heavy demographic structure eventually, and the key to continued economic growth may well be found in our history. Japan is facing the problems of an aging society and workforce now. Let's see how her immigration policies (whatever form and direction they take) affects her economic future, and see if we can draw some lessons from them before it is too late for us.