ABSTRACT

Immigration is quickly changing the racial demographics of the United States. In so doing, it is creating both tensions and opportunities. The author responds to those who advocate restricted immigration as the solution to racial problems. He refutes the underlying assumptions of such Euro-immigrationists: that the United States has a solely white, Christian, and European heritage, and that other immigrants have failed to acculturate. Furthermore, cultural pluralism in a multiracial society has several benefits, including its connection to constitutional principles and its advantages in both the global and the increasingly diverse domestic economy. In turn, the author takes cultural pluralists to task for not grappling sufficiently with interethnic conflict and separatism. While interethnic conflict and separatist sentiment are exacerbated by society’s exclusion of people of color, they are problems that cannot be ignored. The author articulates a new approach to cultural pluralism in a broader definition of America. This new approach would respect diverse views and cultures, including the right of separatists within communities of color. It would also require adherence to a common core of values, including respect for the laws, for the democratic political and economic system, and for equal opportunity.