The British were white, English, and Protestant, just as we were. They had to have some other basis on which to justify independence, and happily they were able to formulate the inalienable truths set forth in the Declaration.
They weren't immigrating to some existing society; indeed, they often did whatever they could do to destroy whatever existed here in the way of Indian society.
First of all, we haven't always welcomed immigrants.
Finally, in my critique of the immigration image of America, it is also important to know that we're not only a nation of immigrants, but we are in some part a nation of emigrants, which often gets neglected.
Much of what we now consider to be problems concerning immigration and assimilation really concern Mexican immigration and assimilation.
Our relationship with Mexico in this regard is unique for us, and in many respects unique in the world.
