What makes an American?
Elyssa Montgomery, Las Vegas
“I think what makes me an American is that I was born here and that I care for the people around me. And I really admire the many different diverse cultures there is in America.”
Don Folden, Alabama
“This country was built on immigration, period. Immigrants of all– Africans, Irish. Matter of fact, in D.C., there’s more Irish history that’s just dying on the vine than anything, and we don’t know it.”
Monica Payne, Wichita, Kansas
“Being born here or coming here, going through the process and getting their citizenship, getting their legalized papers. And sometimes it is kind of a process for people that can’t afford it or don’t know what actions to take. But with us coming together, I think it’s better for all of us that we can help each other.”
Kevin Vandiver, Anderson, South Carolina
“I think it means not having to worry about whether you are a citizen if you’re born on these shores. I think it entitles us all to the right for equal rights, equal justice under the law and under the Constitution, where there is no stratification or hierarchy between some having and some having not, but that every American should at least feel like they have the rights to exist and to flourish.”
Compiled by Keith Golden Jr.