Part III: Economic Assimilation
Chapter Synopses
Chapter X: Open Questions
Essential to a sound policy is first, the determination of a number of open questions which are: (1) Is America irrevocably an immigration country? (2) Is immigration essential to our economic development? (3) Is America a necessary asylum for the foreign born? (4) Shall the basis for assimilation be Anglo- Saxon? (5) Shall America become a one language country? (6) What shall be done with the foreign language press? (7) Shall American citizenship be compulsory? (8) What is to be the status abroad of naturalized citizens? (9) Shall aliens be registered? (10) Shall the status of aliens be fixed solely by national laws? (11) Shall America adopt a national system of assimilation? (12) Shall immigration be dealt with abroad? (13) Shall the troubles of Europe be solved in America?
The answers to these questions are to be found among all groups of people in America who, before a sound policy can be devised, must unite their knowledge and judgment behind a majority opinion. They may do this through an institute on immigration research for the discussion of domestic affairs and through an American Institute on International Affairs for the discussion of its international aspects; and through a unity of the efforts of business organizations which are now supporting research movements.
Chapter XI: Principles of Assimilation
All of the mechanical devices and material plans for assimilation will fail unless the American spirit makes it a success. Without it we shall find neither the peace nor the unity we seek. Immigrants, as well as ourselves, seek it. Some come prepared to join with us; others come to remain in their own groups; while others are here but temporarily. But there are divisions among them over the question of assimilation and something more than material gain is needed to unite the many races to each other and to Americans. The tests of assimilation are not the superficial ones of clothing, language, or even citizenship; but whether the American, in the presence of so many aliens, can preserve the American position and point of view; and whether the immigrant, in the presence of so many Americans, can keep his head and use wisely his opportunities. If assimilation, then, is identity of interest, its principles are recognition by both the immigrant and American of the capacities, qualities, and potentialities of each other; the exchange of ideas, opinions, and goods; and the participation of each in the life of the other. Economic assimilation is, therefore, the application of these principles through the shop, the bank, the store, and the press. But beyond the day's work in which the immediate instruments at hand are commercial, full assimilation must come when men share not only material but also spiritual gifts, and when these and not profits are the objects sought.