20 Comments

Just because these anti-immigrant movements have recurred since the 19th neither makes them right no acceptable. I am an immigrant from Canada, albeit a long time ago, but I've never felt unwanted, probably because I am white, and have English as my first language. But really, our country is big enough and should welcome all newcomers so long as they are not criminals (and very, very few are) They do NOT take jobs from American citizens. They take jobs American aren't willing to perform. They are hardworkers, decent people, we should welcome. They are not handed cash as they enter the country, they do not receive welfare services. The only services undocumented immigrants can receive is emergency medical.

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You’re absolutely right, and I completely agree. The post emphasizes how these recurring anti-immigrant sentiments are rooted in fear, not facts. As you mentioned, immigrants often take on essential jobs that many Americans won’t, and they work hard to build a better life. We should be welcoming them, not stigmatizing them, based on false narratives. Thank you for sharing your experience and perspective!

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Unless you are Native American, everyone else came from somewhere else.

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Absolutely! That’s one of the key points of the post—no matter how long ago our ancestors arrived, almost all of us come from immigrant roots. It’s important to remember that the fears faced by new immigrants today are the same ones our own families likely faced at some point.

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Even native Americans came across the Bering Straight. We all originated in Africa.

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The irony is that if Trump's tan in a can gets any darker he's going to have to deport himself.

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Thanks for the reminder that we, like the majority of our male dominant world are not a welcoming people. Religious belief, which has no basis whatsoever in observable fact is the most divisive male invention ever perpetrated on humanity, has more than a passing interest in maintaining the lack of welcome which marks every male dominant culture. It allows us to maintain armed forces and justifies the murder of war. We men, enthralled with the thought of power and subsequent control, are the problem.

"Make love, not war" is not the joke it is made out to be.

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Thank you for sharing your perspective. It’s true that throughout history, fear of the “other” has often been manipulated by those in power, sometimes under the guise of religious or cultural protection. The post highlights how these fears are recycled to divide people, but recognizing the problem is a step toward breaking that cycle and creating a more welcoming society for everyone.

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All true. Humans are tribal and there are good psychological reasons for this. We don't just let anyone into the group - that's dangerous. Like a 1950s street gang, we make outsiders go through a period of initiation. We should be proud of our heritage, but not so proud we can't accept and respect the heritage of others. Like any other group you might want to join, you've got to prove you want it - and prove your worth to the group. What do you have to offer? So yes, past Immigrants have earned the right to look upon new ones with a skeptical eye: they too must prove their earnestness and worth to the group. Sneaking in the back door is not a very good start. Real American immigrants have sacrificed a hell of a lot to be here. They've waited in long lines, took endless tests and interviews, and earned their green cards. Kudos to them. America has voted to save 2 million slots per year for these real American dreamers. That's quite a few - and still there is a wait list. Sneaking in the back door does not make you an immigrant. It makes you an imposter.

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It really is sad when you realize how long this has been going on…

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Peter, today's post is an especially delightful one. I have always admired their layouts -- alternating between text and image, so compactly and invitingly. Easy to read and understand, each segment building towards the text's ultimate message.

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I always look at my drafts on a smartphone. That's how most people will see them. I try to avoid long blocks of text.

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AGREE 100%

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I believe that the Greeks are responsible for most of our nation's problems.

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No. homefries for you.

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Historical perspective is powerful

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One of things that has bothered of late is naming of immigrants. Irish American, Black American, Chinese American, Mexican American, etc. So these people are their nationally first and American second. I wonder how it would have would have been like to be identified as American first and their nationally second. American Irish, American Black, American Chinese, American Mexican, etc.

When does a group of people become an American only whose ancestors were from another country?

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That’s a thoughtful point, and it touches on the complex identity many immigrants and their descendants navigate. In the post, I explore how immigrants have always faced questions of loyalty and belonging, and the hyphenated identities reflect that history. Ultimately, when we embrace that we’re all American first, it helps unify us, regardless of our roots. It’s a conversation that continues to evolve.

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If it's any consolation, the phrase "It's Greek to me" comes from merry old England, where it appears in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar." The context is that the other characters in the play understand (ancient) Greek, but the speaker does not. This is a knock on the man who is uneducated in Greek, not on those who understand Greek. As you can see, this had nothing to do with immigration or modern Greek. Hope this helps.

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Thanks Liz. I love the backstories.

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