Content by: Wendy Busse-Coleman
"Immigrants built America."
Yes. True. Powerful.
But when we talk about safety, that's not the full story.
Recently, I came across an old Larry King interview with entrepreneur Robert Herjavec. He emphasized that America was built by immigrants and called the U.S. "the land of opportunity." It's a sentiment many of us share, me included. If my grandfather hadn't immigrated from Italy with his parents, I wouldn't be here. So yes, I get it.
But here's the thing:
That quote, while heartfelt, is apples and oranges.
It's a beautiful truth being used to sidestep a different conversation entirely.
What' Being Conflated
When we chat about safety in America these days, especially when it comes to immigration, we’re not talking about the folks who came here legally, started businesses, raised their families, and added so much to our communities.
We're talking about:
- Border enforcement
- Human trafficking
- Fentanyl smuggling
- Gaps in vetting and accountability
- The strain on local resources and systems
These are policy and safety concerns, not a flat-out rejection of immigration. But when people throw around the phrase "immigrants-built America" as a one-size-fits-all answer, it just confuses things. It makes it seem like any concern about immigration is automatically xenophobic or anti-American. That’s not just wrong—it shuts down the conversation.
"We can honor our immigrant roots and still ask hard questions about safety.
That's not hate-it's responsibility."
My Family's Story-and Why It Matters
My grandpa, Dominic S. Stilo, came to the U.S. from Italy when he was just a kid. His family hustled, built a life here, and handed down some solid values like hard work, gratitude, and looking out for others. Those same values are what drive me in the advocacy work I do now.
But I also carry a deep respect for clarity. And clarity means naming what we're actually talking about.
Mixing up legal immigration with border issues? That's just not cool. It takes away the respect lawful immigrants deserve and brushes off the real dangers of letting things run unchecked.
Safety ≠ Xenophobia
Let's be clear:
- Wanting secure borders isn't racist.
- Asking for vetting isn't cruel.
- Demanding accountability isn't anti-immigrant.
It's possible to love the idea of America as a land of opportunity and insist that opportunity be protected, earned, and responsibly managed.
"Safety isn't about slogans, it's about systems. And systems need scrutiny."
What I wish More Leaders Would Say
Forget the feel-good quotes, I just wish more public figures would say:
- "Yes, immigrants-built America. And we owe them respect."
- "Yes, we need strong borders and humane policies."
- "Yes, we can hold both truths at once."
'Cause that's what real leadership's all about:
Nuance. Courage. Clarity.
Final Thought: Don't Let Sentiment Silence You
Ever feel like a quote sounds great but totally skips the actual point? Same here.
Ever been called hateful just for asking tough questions? You're not alone.
If you’re all about grabbing opportunities and owning up to things, this country could really use someone like you.
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