“All of our people all over the country-except the pure-blooded Indians-are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, including even those who came over here on the Mayflower.”
This powerful statement cuts to the very core of the American identity. Attributed to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, these words serve as a timeless reminder of the nation’s foundational story. They challenge notions of exclusivity and ancestry. Moreover, they frame the United States as a project continually built by newcomers. The quote forces us to look past superficial differences and acknowledge a shared heritage of migration. It is a simple yet profound declaration. America, at its heart, is a nation of immigrants.
The Historical Context of FDR’s Remark
To fully grasp the quote’s impact, we must understand when and why FDR said it. Source He delivered this line during a 1938 address to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). This context is crucial. The DAR is an organization whose members trace their lineage back to those who fought in the American Revolutionary War. They represent one of the nation’s oldest non-indigenous family lines. In 1938, the world was on the edge of a precipice. Nazi Germany’s aggression was escalating, and Jewish refugees were desperately seeking safety. However, isolationist and anti-immigrant sentiment was strong in the United States.
FDR’s words were a direct and pointed message. He reminded this audience, which prided itself on its deep American roots, that their own ancestors were once immigrants. By including the Mayflower passengers—often mythologized as the nation’s founders—he dismantled any hierarchy of belonging. He effectively stated that the 17th-century pilgrim and the 20th-century refugee shared the same fundamental starting point. This was a bold call for empathy and a broader definition of what it means to be an American, especially during a time of rising xenophobia.
Unpacking the Statement’s Key Components
FDR’s quote contains three distinct parts that work together to build his argument. Each element carries significant weight and deserves a closer look. Understanding these components helps reveal the full depth of his message about American identity and history.
“Immigrants or Descendants of Immigrants”
This is the central thesis of the entire statement. Roosevelt makes a sweeping, inclusive claim about the American populace. He suggests that the immigrant experience is not a footnote in the nation’s history but its main text. This perspective reframes national identity. It shifts the focus from a static, inherited status to a dynamic process of arrival and integration. For example, whether a family arrived ten years ago or two hundred years ago, they are part of the same ongoing story. This idea fosters a sense of shared experience across diverse ethnic and cultural groups. It levels the playing field, suggesting that all citizens, regardless of origin, contribute to the fabric of the nation.
“Except the Pure-Blooded Indians”
Here, Roosevelt acknowledges a critical exception. He recognizes Native Americans as the original inhabitants of the land, setting them apart from every other group. While the terminology “pure-blooded” is dated and problematic by today’s standards, his intent was to highlight their unique status. They are not immigrants; they are the indigenous people whose presence predates all other arrivals. This acknowledgment, however brief, is vital. It prevents the erasure of Native history from the national narrative. Consequently, it complicates the simple story of a “nation of immigrants” by reminding us that the land was already home to established civilizations. This nuance adds a layer of historical honesty to his otherwise broad statement.
“Including…the Mayflower”
This final clause is a masterstroke of rhetoric. The Mayflower voyage holds a near-mythical place in the American psyche. Its passengers are often viewed as the quintessential founders. By explicitly labeling them as immigrants, FDR challenges the idea that any one group has a greater claim to American identity. He strips away the mystique and places them on the same continuum as every subsequent arrival. This was particularly aimed at his audience, the DAR, who traced their ancestry to this early period. Therefore, he subtly rebuked any sense of superiority, reminding them that their revered ancestors were, in fact, newcomers seeking refuge and opportunity, just like the immigrants of his own time.
The Quote’s Enduring Relevance Today
Decades after FDR spoke these words, they remain incredibly relevant. Debates over immigration, borders, and national identity continue to shape American politics and society. Roosevelt’s message provides a powerful historical anchor for these modern conversations. It reminds us that arguments about who belongs are not new. Furthermore, it suggests that a broad, inclusive definition of “American” is deeply rooted in the nation’s own history.
However, the quote also invites critical reflection. It does not explicitly mention the millions of enslaved Africans who were brought to America against their will. Their experience was not one of immigration but of forced migration. This is a crucial distinction. While their descendants are an integral part of the American story, the quote’s framework doesn’t fully capture the violence and injustice of their arrival. Acknowledging this gap allows for a more complete and honest understanding of how different peoples came to be part of the United States. It enriches, rather than diminishes, the conversation that FDR started.
In conclusion, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s statement is more than just a historical artifact. It is a living idea that continues to challenge and inspire. It defines America not by exclusion, but by the perpetual process of inclusion. The quote affirms that the nation’s strength comes from the diverse streams of people who have made it their home. By reminding us that nearly everyone came from somewhere else, FDR provides a unifying principle for a perpetually evolving country. His words encourage us to see the reflection of our own ancestors in the faces of new arrivals today.