The Mayflower From Mexico

Nicholas Thomas L. "America Should Welcome Immigration (1845)." Immigration: Opposing Viewpoints. Ed. Mary Williams. Greenhaven Press, 2004. 17-24. Print.

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In Thomas Nichols’ opinion, America should welcome immigration. He believes, “The right of man to emigrate from one country to another, is one which belongs to him by his own constitution and by every principle of justice.” He believes that immigrants have as much right as the first settlers in America because the settlers were technically immigrants themselves and without their pursuit we may not be the country we are today. “They came to improve their condition, to escape from oppression, to enjoy freedom, or similar, reasons as now prevail.” Nichols’ titles one section Let Them Come, and that itself states his opinion. He sees no harm in their presence admits that the worst thing that can be brought against any portion of our foreign population is that in many cases they are poor and will resort to the almshouse. Nickolas ends his viewpoint with this quote, “Alas! Shall the rich, for whom they have labored, the owners of the house they have helped to build, refuse to treat them as kindly as they would their horses when incapable of further toil? Can they grudge them shelter from the storm and a place where they may die in peace?”

The one thing that I believe is so plausible about Nicholas’ opinion is that he brings up immigration from the beginning of European settlers. He compares their impact then and their impact now. Immigration is what started America and Nicholas reminds his readers of that. He also mentions prejudice and how it is a big part of American’s opinion on immigrants. It is very important to recognize prejudice, and set it aside in order to make a fair opinion. When he writes, “Alas! Shall the rich, for whom they have labored, the owners of the house they have helped to build, refuse to treat them as kindly as they would their horses when incapable of further toil? Can they grudge them shelter from the storm and a place where they may die in peace?” the first thing that came to mind was Daniel Millis helping the thirsting immigrants survive the Arizona desert. Nicholas’ source has the potential to change opinions.