All the social and national elements of the civilized world are represented in the new land, their peculiar characteristics are to be blended together by the all-assimilating power of freedom. This is the origin of the American nationality, which did not spring from one family, one tribe, one country, but incorporates the vigorous elements of all civilized nations on earth.
Carl Schurz, German immigrant and Republican leader, speaking in 1859; he became a leading backer of the 14th Amendment. (via EJ Dionne)
Lemkin 