What does inalienable mean in the declaration of independence

Cannot be taken away.

Explanation:

The Declaration of Independence talks about American citizens' unalienable rights. This means that citizens have rights that can't be taken away under any circumstances by the United States government.

During this time, the thought of the government abusing their power onto citizens, and taking away certain rights was a very important topic. The reason why the Articles of Confederation was so weak in the first place was because the American people were scared of tyranny and did not want the government to obtain power.

Over time, this premise obviously changed as people became more open to the government having power and associated having a strong government with having a strong country.

since most of current immigration into the u.s., both legal and illegal, is coming from latin america. it would be very difficult to imagine or rationalize a country my fellow citizens are trying desperately to flee into, would pose a threat to my prosperity or freedom. since the u.s. has a long history of intervention, but no record of permanent occupation, i would not feel oppression is the main objective.  

the largest free trade nation, along with the largest gdp in the world wanting to expand it's economic policy on us, and including us, could only be positive. the u.s. government has no interest in, or way of simply forcing american culture on us. and has no track record of it. other nations that adopted american social culture, or "americanization" did so voluntarily, mainly through the choice of allowing american businesses and u.s. citizens to come into their nations, as free operatives.

independent innovation during the abbasid caliphate