In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant…
“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Immigrants must fully adopt American identity, language, and loyalty; any dual allegiance is unacceptable.
In simple terms: Immigrants should become completely American.
Key Takeaway
Promote full cultural integration.
Themes
nationalism
assimilation
identity
loyalty
language
Mood
assertive
controversial
Type
political
ideological
When to use this quote
- immigration policy
- school curricula
- public discourse
- community integration
Key Concepts
citizenship
cultural homogeneity
political unity
Questions to Reflect On
- Is total assimilation necessary for unity?
- What are the costs of demanding one language?
A Different Perspective
Excludes multiculturalism and individual heritage.