George N. Shuster: Immigrants All, Americans All

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Shuster, the President of Hunter College, addresses the topic "Immigrants All, Americans All."

Who is an American? The first settlers ever to come to these shores. Those settlers were immigrants. They wanted to make a living, engage in some activity to keep their families safe from poverty, desired liberty of conscience, education. Believed democracy was linked to religion. Each of us belongs to some group which left Europe. America is therefore something we have all built together. Italians, Irish, Negroes, Dutch, Belgians. Stronger by reason of our resources than any other nations because of the hard work and foresight of immigrants. Chinese have been handicapped by a number of restrictions. Never the less, they have made a large contribution to our economic welfare, and today their sons and daughters are attending colleges and universities. Germans. Jews. New refugees are just like our ancestors. They are eager to learn American customs. Common prejudice, though we have made progress and are committed to respect for one another. Those who are prejudiced represent not your country, but its ruthless foes. Your country is more than a machine.

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Audio courtesy of the City University of New York

WNYC archives id: 71459