When they got here, when they successfully emigrated - and…
“When they got here, when they successfully emigrated - and not everybody that came through Ellis Island was accepted. If you were sick you were not allowed in. If you had any kind of a disease, we were in the process of trying to wipe out all these diseases. We did that by keeping people who had them out of the country. You might look at it today as, "Wow, that was really mean." No. It was putting America first. It was putting the American people first, and it was a realization that we can't take everybody.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Immigration restrictions based on health were framed as protecting national interests, reflecting a prioritization of native citizens over inclusivity.
In simple terms: Health‑based immigration bans protect natives.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize national health.
Themes
immigration
nationalism
public health
exclusivity
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- border control
- public health policy
- historical immigration
Key Concepts
policy analysis
ethics
Practical Applications
- evaluate health criteria fairness
- balance security with compassion
Questions to Reflect On
- Is exclusion justified for health?
- How can policies be humane?
A Different Perspective
Such policies can be discriminatory.