June is National Immigration Month in the United States—an appropriate time to reflect on the special role of immigrants in enriching this country.

Far from a threat to America’s vitality, immigration has been a life-giving force in every generation helping the country grow. It’s evident in communities across the United States as new immigrants and refugees come with their hopes and dreams for a better

life, and their energy and determination to prosper and provide for their families. They’ve also brought unique cultural characteristics that contribute to making America the country it is today. It’s too often forgotten in times of economic stress or political polarization, as xenophobic bigots rise up demanding that America’s doors be closed. Immigrants are presented as a threat to citizens’ economic well-being and “American culture.” They raise slogans like “you will not replace us,” “immigrants don’t share our values” or they’ll “pollute the blood of the country.”

What these anti-immigrant bigots forget is that their own ancestors were often greeted by the same fears and exclusionary slogans when they first........

© The Nation