13 Quotes About Immigration That Will Remind You We’re All Human
No human being is "illegal."
Lately, there's been a great deal of discussion on immigration throughout the world of politics. with people on every side of the issue coming out of the woodwork.
No matter what your views, at the end of the day it's an undeniable fact, which we should all strive to keep in mind, that all Americans who aren't 100% Native American either are immigrants or descended directly from them.
Here we've composed a list of quotes which seek to remind everyone out there that immigration isn't just a political issue, but a discussion about how best to help people who are desperately looking for a place to call home.
"More than any other nation on Earth, America has constantly drawn strength and spirit from wave after wave of immigrants. In each generation, they have proved to be the most restless, the most adventurous, the most innovative, the most industrious of people. Bearing different memories, honoring different heritages, they have strengthened our economy, enriched our culture, renewed our promise of freedom and opportunity for all…." - Bill Clinton
"Citizenship to me is more than a piece of paper. Citizenship is also about character. I am an American. We're just waiting for our country to recognize it." - Jose Antonio Vargas
"People come here penniless but not cultureless. They bring us gifts. We can synthesize the best of our traditions with the best of theirs. We can teach and learn from each other to produce a better America…" - Mary Pipher
"Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life." - John F. Kennedy
"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
"I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong." - George Washington
"The statue of liberty, given to us by france, says 'Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses' - Nowhere does it say to dismiss them if you are scared." - Congressman Tim Ryan
"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
"Mr. Speaker, our Nation depends on immigrants' labor, and I hope we can create an immigration system as dependable as they are." - Luis Gutierrez
"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
"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
"No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark." ― Warsan Shire
"Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists." ― Franklin D. Roosevelt
Send this list along to anyone, from anywhere, who is proud to call themselves an American.