There is no room in this country for hyphenated…
“There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. When I refer to hyphenated Americans, I do not refer to naturalized Americans. Some of the very best Americans I have ever known were naturalized Americans, Americans born abroad. But a hyphenated American is not an American at all.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Roosevelt argues that true American identity excludes those who split loyalty between the U.S. and another nation, distinguishing naturalized citizens from “hyphenated” ones.
In simple terms: Hyphenated Americans are not fully American, he says.
Key Takeaway
Reject divided loyalties.
Themes
national identity
patriotism
immigration
cultural assimilation
Mood
defensive
assertive
Type
political
controversial
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- immigration debates
- citizenship ceremonies
Key Concepts
Americanism
identity politics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we define “American” in a multicultural society?
- Can loyalty be shared without conflict?
A Different Perspective
May overlook contributions of dual‑heritage citizens.