In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Roosevelt argues that immigrants who fully assimilate and adopt American loyalty should be treated equally, but divided allegiance or dual national identity is unacceptable.
- In plain terms
- Immigrants should be treated equally if they become fully American, but they cannot owe loyalty to other nations or flags.
- What can you take from it?
- Full assimilation and singular loyalty are required for equal treatment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines true assimilation?
- Can dual loyalty coexist with national unity?
Another view
The requirement for single language and flag may overlook cultural diversity and dual citizenship benefits.
More from Theodore Roosevelt
In advocating any measure we must consider not only its justice but its practicability.
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