This is a quote from a former president. I like it. Makes sense. What say you?

I was in Scotland last year at my uncle's. He said one of the things he loves about being Scottish is no matter were you come from, once you move to Scotland you are Scottish. I'm sure you can find other Scots that disagree with him, but you can find that in America as well.

I'm all for anyone who wants to move to move except for one group. People shouldn't move to America if they don't want their kids to grow American. That means marrying outside your faith, ethnicity, etc. It means accepting that your kids are going to be friends with people that in the "old" country that would considered enemies or worse.

What use to make special in my eyes was we had a unique identity. You could be from a different part of the country, be a different color, speak a different regional dialect, but when push came to shove we were Americans first. Sadly I don't see that anymore.

that's good to know that if you move there-you are accepted as Scottish .. perhaps it's like that in other countries as well.

I believe the only true Americans are the native Americans and everyone else is an immigrant. Because we're a big melting pot so to speak I'm not sure start our identity is. I'm probably not making sense but as an immigrant who's lived here awhile I don't identify as only American. I'm just another human on a big Rock that is earth.

Agree. @ the only true Americans.

Generally speaking, yes, as long as those who want to come here are willing to embrace what it means to be American. You can keep aspects of your own culture, but do not move here and expect the country to change into what your homeland was. I feel that most that come here do so because they want something better than what they left behind, so I think the statement holds.

Now you bring up an,interesting question...just exactly what does it "mean to be American"? I can think of a few ideals, attributes...
Value Free speech
Value balance btw personal freedoms & government.
Value Democracy & active participation for it to work
Value entertainment-sports, movies, music.
A bit puritanical
Culture heavy influenced by JudeoChristain traditions

Visiting countries outside the US actually helps to see what America is & helps one appreciate it