Creating a common narrative

The Bush Institute’s Democracy Talks initiative just explored the intersection of democracy, identity, and immigration. A range of writers, academics, policymakers and first- and second-generation Americans offered a rich range of perspectives and experiences. The goal was to understand how different people, particularly immigrants, define and then balance an “American identity” with the other identities they hold dear. Moreover, we wanted to explore how people from diverse backgrounds assimilate and thrive in a country like the United States.

There are no definitive answers when it comes to identity, but some of the ideas resonated with us.

It’s almost a cliché to prescribe more civics, history, and social studies courses as an antidote to declining confidence in American democracy. But it is a good idea. Such education creates a common foundation for native-born and naturalized citizens, as well as those striving to become Americans. Our schools should find ways to consistently integrate civics lessons into K-12 classrooms. This would include topics such as American founding principles, our governing institutions, and how they work — examining their successes and failures, the duties of citizenship and the struggles for liberty at home and abroad.

This education is crucial to our society. Luisa del Rosal, a Mexican immigrant who ran for the Texas legislature, describes perfectly how these lessons translate into action: “As long as we can continue to put a priority on service, that can bring us together. Whether it’s running for office, working for a nonprofit, coming up with a vaccine, or teaching in a classroom, as long as we’re giving to each other we can come together and remain exceptional.”

Immigrant experiences reveal different strategies for integrating into American society without losing who they are. Language is arguably at the top of the list. A common language is the most fundamental way in which a diverse society can communicate, understand, and learn from each other. As such, government and civil society must prioritize English-language programs for immigrants and dedicate appropriate resources to ensure access.

That by no means advocates discouraging the use and celebration of other languages. As del Rosal put it, “Doors opened quickly for me because I could speak English fluently. This doesn’t mean dismissing other languages. … You can honor your roots while being part of this greater dynamic.”

Another key factor is entering into the economy and finding a job. Work brings a sense of dignity, inclusion, and selfsustainability that allows people to build a life in the United States. Joining the workforce can also develop networks that help immigrants deepen roots, better understand American society and processes, and advance professionally.

Destigmatizing different cultures or backgrounds happens when we engage with various communities. Unquestionably, that requires a courageous first step, but it is necessary in the assimilation process. This is true both from the perspectives of the immigrant joining society and the host country welcoming them.

Finally, the generosity of spirit demonstrated by nativeborn and naturalized citizens in welcoming new immigrants to our country is valuable. Several people we interviewed described how feeling welcomed made for positive experiences.

Conversely, we heard recollections of bigotry that generated feelings of fear and alienation. Americans have a role to play in assimilation by living their founding principles, rejecting the ugliness of xenophobia, and sharing the aspirational story that unites us.

Becoming an American doesn’t extinguish those other facets of who we are, it enhances them by providing a principle-based framework for them to thrive.

The United States is not a country of blood and soil, but of the ideals and aspirations framed in our founding documents. Those are the roots from which American identity sprouts and coexists with other identities. We must simply choose to nurture them.

Christopher Walsh is senior program manager for the Human Freedom and Women’s Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.

Walsh