The Jefferson Discussion Group of Orlando

Home

Press Release

Monthly Topics

Mailing List

Contact Us



The Thomas Jefferson Discussion Group
of Orlando, Florida

Meeting No. 58 -May 30, 2006
Holiday House Restaurant, Orlando, Florida



THIS MONTH'S TOPIC:
THOMAS JEFFERSON AND IMMIGRATION POLICY


In 1907 Theodore Roosevelt said this about immigration,

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 person's becoming in every facet 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... 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.

In 1801 Thomas Jefferson had this to say about immigration policy.

Shall we refuse the unhappy fugitives from distress that hospitality which the savages of the wilderness extended to our fathers arriving in this land? Shall oppressed humanity find no asylum on this globe? The Constitution, indeed, has wisely provided that for admission to certain offices of important trust a residence shall be required sufficient to develop character and design. But might not the general character and capabilities of a citizen be safely communicated to every one manifesting a bona fide purpose of embarking his life and fortunes permanently with us?
Thomas Jefferson’s 1st Annual Message as President

And, he had a lot more to say on the subject.

Did Roosevelt and Jefferson disagree? How do these thoughts compare to the current debate over illegal immigration?




Home

Press Release

Monthly Topics

Mailing List

Contact Us

© The Jefferson Project, All Rights Reserved
webmaster@thejeffersonproject.org