Ronald Reagan, in one of his final speeches as president, reflected on the unique character of the United States and its relationship to the rest of the world. He shared, “A man wrote me and said: ‘You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey or Japan, but you cannot become a German, a Turk, or a Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come to live in America and become an American.”
This simple observation speaks to the heart of what has long made America not just a country, but an idea, one that transcends race, religion, or origin. To be American is not about lineage; it’s about shared ideals and the belief that freedom and opportunity belong to everyone who seeks them. I have often returned to this thought when considering what national identity means, especially in a world that often clings to more rigid definitions of belonging. For me, being part of a community or a country is about inclusion, about choosing to contribute to something larger than oneself.
In a recent post, historian Heather Cox Richardson also reflected on this very quote from Reagan, drawing attention to its relevance today. She highlighted how the former president’s vision of an open and welcoming America stands in stark contrast to current deportation policies. Her post served as a reminder that the strength Reagan spoke of, the strength that comes from diversity and renewal, is something we risk losing if we turn inward. In echoing Reagan’s words, Richardson called us to consider not only who we are, but who we want to be in a rapidly changing world.
In that same speech, Reagan expanded on this thought, articulating a vision of America’s greatness rooted in its openness: “This, I believe, is one of the most important sources of America’s greatness. We lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people — our strength — from every country and every corner of the world. And by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our nation. While other countries cling to the stale past, here in America we breathe life into dreams. We create the future, and the world follows us into tomorrow. Thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of opportunity, we’re a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas, and always on the cutting edge, always leading the world to the next frontier. This quality is vital to our future as a nation. If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.”
These words are striking, not only because they celebrate diversity, but because they directly link inclusivity to global leadership. Reagan’s point was clear: America’s power comes not from closing itself off, but from embracing change, drawing strength from new voices, and daring to imagine a different future. It is a vision that sees renewal, not threat, in the arrival of the stranger.
But today, as we face renewed debates over immigration and national identity, I wonder how firmly we still hold to this idea. Policies of exclusion and rising deportations seem to challenge this foundational belief. And while these are deeply personal issues for many, they also raise important questions about global security.
A nation’s security is not just about physical borders or military strength; it is also about resilience, adaptability, and legitimacy. A country that draws from many backgrounds is more prepared to face the complexities of a globalized world. Diverse societies are often more innovative, more responsive, and better able to engage across cultures. Moreover, when people are welcomed and valued, they are more likely to invest in the stability and prosperity of the society they have joined.
On a global scale, America’s leadership has long depended not just on its power, but on its example. Reagan’s vision of a country that “breathes life into dreams” is precisely the kind of leadership that earns respect and fosters alliances. When we close our doors, we not only lose out on the energy and ideas of those who might have enriched us, but we also weaken the moral authority that has allowed us to lead.
Reagan warned that by turning inward, we risk losing our place in the world. That warning feels more urgent than ever. Global security depends on cooperation, on trust, and shared values. If we want to lead, we must be willing to embody the openness we claim to stand for.
As I reflect on Reagan’s words and on Heather Cox Richardson’s timely reminder, I am struck by the fact that the future is not something that simply arrives; it is something we create. And to create a future worth leading, we must remain a nation that welcomes those who are ready to build it with us.
References
Reagan, Ronald. Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. January 19, 1989. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum. https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/remarks-presentation-ceremony-presidential-medal-freedom-5.
Richardson, Heather Cox. Facebook Post. April 26, 2025. https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/.