"I think it no accident that most of those emigrating to America in the 19th century identified with the Democratic Party. We are a heterogeneous party made up of Americans of diverse backgrounds"

Barbara Jordan’s reflection on 19th-century immigration and Democratic Party identity draws a connection between the party's welcoming, inclusive ethos and America's waves of new arrivals. Her observation implies that the magnetic pull of the Democratic Party for immigrants wasn’t coincidental; rather, it was rooted in shared values and a pragmatic recognition of who the party represented. Immigrants arriving in the United States during the 19th century were typically stepping into an unfamiliar society, often facing suspicion, discrimination, and economic hardship. For many, the Democratic Party became a political home because it embraced a broader, more pluralistic conception of American identity, recognizing and integrating people from divergent cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Jordan highlights the heterogeneity of the party, seeing its diversity not as a weakness, but as a distinct strength. The Democratic Party, historically, forged coalitions among the disenfranchised, immigrants, working class citizens, and marginalized groups, offering them a sense of belonging and political agency. By aligning themselves with the party, new Americans could participate in shaping policies that affected their lives while also affirming their place in the national tapestry.

The remark about accidental versus deliberate identity further suggests a conscious shaping of political coalitions. The party’s openness reflected an understanding of America’s true demographic trajectory, a trend towards increased diversity. Jordan’s words echo the ethos that democracy flourishes when inclusion and representativeness are prioritized, supporting a vision of America as a mosaic rather than a monolith.

Her insight underlines the value of diversity, not merely as a demographic fact, but as a guiding principle for political practice. It affirms the idea that political power can and should be shared among all who contribute to the nation’s fabric, and that the story of American democracy is inextricably linked with the unfolding story of its immigrants.