"It is not new or unusual for the real Americans, meaning those immigrants who came to America a little bit longer ago, to fear the outsiders, the pretenders, the newcomers"
- Luis Gutierrez
About this Quote
This quote by Luis Gutierrez speaks with the long-standing worry of immigrants in the United States. He is describing the concept that those who have actually remained in the United States for a longer period of time, or the "genuine Americans," are frequently fearful of those who are more current immigrants, or the "outsiders" and "pretenders." This worry is not brand-new or uncommon, and has existed in the United States for many years. Gutierrez is likely describing the concept that those who have actually been in the United States for a longer time period might feel threatened by the influx of new immigrants, and may fear that their culture and lifestyle is being threatened. This fear is often rooted in xenophobia and racism, and has been utilized to justify policies that are damaging to immigrants. Gutierrez is likely attempting to draw attention to this worry and the need to address it in order to create a more inclusive and inviting society.
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