Immigration to the United States

Immigration to the United States

"It is no doubt very desirable that we should hold out as many inducements as possible for the worthy part of mankind to come and settle amongst us, and throw their fortunes into a common lot with ours. But why is this desirable?

Not merely to swell the catalogue of people. No, sir, it is to increase the wealth and strength of the community; and those who acquire the rights of citizenship, are not the people we are in want of ."

James Madison, Fourth President of the United States

Our founding fathers were in favor of immigration. Of that there is little question.

Most, if not all of them, believed that by increasing our numbers with immigrants who would contribute to the "strength of the community," America would become a better place. But they were just as clear that we shouldn't allow immigration en masse for the purpose of swelling our ranks, but rather to allow it for those who wished to contribute and give allegiance to America and no other. That is the reason the following became part of the Oath of Allegiance:

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;"

President Theodore Roosevelt, almost a century later expressed those same words in his

very plainspoken oratory favoring immigration: "But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American and nothing but an American. If he tries to keep segregated with men of his own origin and separated from the rest of America, then he isn't doing his part as an American."

We have all heard the phrase, "America is a melting pot." It is a melting pot whose contents mix as one to make a wonderful banquet. People from all over the globe immigrated to the U.S. And formed a country overflowing with thoughts, ways of life and backgrounds. The people arrived and continue to do so for many reasons, but, for all time, to realize one thing -- an improved life for their families. And, they have changed our nation, mostly for the better.

When we ask are we in favor of immigration, how can any one of us say no. For, except the Native Indians, we have all immigrated to this country either directly or via our ancestors who have given up their former lives to come here and proclaim themselves Americans.

Immigration gained more support in 1965 when President Johnson signed into law the Immigration Act of 1965. It changed and enhanced the methods used to allow immigrants to be admitted to the U.S. And it allowed more individuals from third world countries to come to America. This included Asian populations, which had previously been held back from entering this country.

The importance of this new law was that immigrants who come here in the future are to be allowed in because of their abilities to contribute their professions and skills, not just because they came from one country or another.

Both Presidents Johnson and Kennedy wanted to change immigration law for many reasons, but in doing so they would confirm this country's principles of America being a land of the free, where all people are equal. The Immigration Act of 1965 was the culmination of that dream.