Understanding what another person is saying is key in developing a sense of community. That’s probably why this quote from Theodore Roosevelt is one of the most popular messages I see associated with people favoring immigration reform: “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 soul (sic) loyalty, and that is loyalty to the American people.”

Another lesser-known statement by Roosevelt also probably reflects the majority of their sentiments: “I wish the cholera would result in a permanent quarantine against most immigrants.”

A reference to an outbreak that can lead to mass deaths may seem a bit harsh, but Roosevelt was upset that immigrants who were previously staunch Republicans were now aligning themselves more with the Populist stance. (more…)