We are a nation of immigrants.
“We are the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the ones who wanted a better life, the driven ones, the ones who woke up at night hearing that voice telling them that life in that place called America could be better.” – Mitt Romney
Our attitude towards immigration reflects our faith in the American ideal.
“We have always believed it possible for men and women who start at the bottom to rise as far as the talent and energy allow. Neither race nor place of birth should affect their chances.” – Robert F. Kennedy
The diversity provided by immigration has made our country what it is.
“The land flourished because it was fed from so many sources–because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples.” – Lyndon B. Johnson
The very essence of the United States embodies acceptance of the immigrant.
“The bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and respected stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges…” – George Washington
A few of our ancestors arrived on the Mayflower.
“We came to America, either ourselves or in the persons of our ancestors, to better the ideals of men, to make them see finer things than they had seen before, to get rid of the things that divide and to make sure of the things that unite.” – Woodrow Wilson
Nearly all Americans have ancestors who arrived by land, sea, or air – liberty-loving risk-takers in search of an ideal – the largest voluntary migrations in recorded history.
“Immigration is not just a link to America’s past; it’s also a bridge to America’s future.” – George H. W. Bush
It says something about our country that people around the world are willing to leave their homes and leave their families and risk everything to come to America.
“Their talent and hard work and love of freedom have helped make America the leader of the world. And our generation will ensure that America remains a beacon of liberty and the most hopeful society this world has ever known.” – George W. Bush
We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic.
“Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.” – Jimmy Carter
America was built by immigrants.
“We are a country where people of all backgrounds, all nations of origin, all languages, all religions, all races, can make a home.” – Hillary Clinton
There remains much building to be done.
“You know, 11 million people live in the shadows. I believe they’re already American citizens. These people are just waiting, waiting for a chance to contribute fully. And by that standard, 11 million undocumented aliens are already Americans, in my view.” – Joe Biden
What would be the result if we shunned the immigrant?
“If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.” – Ronald Reagan
Immigrant families have integrated themselves into our communities, establishing deep roots.
“Whenever they have settled, they have made lasting contributions to the economic vitality and diversity of our communities and our nation. Our economy depends on these hard-working, taxpaying workers. They have assisted America in its economic boom.” – Ted Kennedy
The wife of our current president was born in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Elon Musk, born in South Africa, served as senior advisor to Trump and as the de facto head of DOGE. Elaine Chao, born in Taiwan, served as Secretary of Transportation during Trump’s first administration. Yet it is hard to find a positive statement from our president concerning immigrants.
“In the United States, we reject the idea that mass numbers of people from foreign lands can be permitted to travel halfway around the world, trample our borders, violate our sovereignty, cause unmitigated crime, and deplete our social safety net.” – Donald Trump
Nonetheless, our country is forever indebted to immigration for her settlement and prosperity.
“That part of America which had encouraged them most had advanced most rapidly in population, agriculture and the arts.” – James Madison
We were strangers once, too.
“My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants.” – Barack Obama
We must remember.
“Remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
Some say the quality of the recent immigrant is undesirable.
“The time is quite within recent memory when the same thing was said of immigrants who, with their descendants, are now numbered among our best citizens.” – Grover Cleveland
If we do not provide the same opportunities for future immigrants that were provided for our forefathers, it is an affront to our national ideals.
“We owe these servicemen more for the sacrifices that they have made for this country.” – John McCain
Since 1607, when the first English settlers reached the New World, more than 100 million people have migrated to the United States.
“In 1797 a member of Congress argued that, while a liberal immigration policy was fine when the country was new and unsettled, now that America had reached its maturity and was fully populated, immigration should stop—an argument which has been repeated at regular intervals throughout American history.” ¯ John F. Kennedy
Diversity makes our country great.
“Yes, we become stronger when men and women, young and old, gay and straight, native-born and immigrant fight together to create the kind of country we all know we can become.” – Bernie Sanders
Who is entitled to belong?
“The American dream belongs to all of us.” – Kamala Harris
Our destiny is more important than our origin.
“What makes someone American isn’t just blood or birth, but allegiance to our founding principles and faith in the idea that anyone — from anywhere — can write the next chapter of our story.” – Barack Obama
