Out of Many, One

Imagine someone standing outside your house. You see a woman and a child with him through your window. They are soaked from a long, heavy rain and seem cold. They appear lost, hungry, and thirsty. Your initial response might be to help—offering an umbrella, inviting them in, giving hot soup, or warm clothes. However, fear might also arise; they are strangers, and accepting them could be dangerous for you, your family, and your loved ones. Will you give them shelter? Friends, this situation serves as a metaphor for the country's ongoing challenges with immigrants.

America is a nation founded on freedom, liberty, and the principle that all men are created equal. Its core values are grounded in fairness and compassion. Around the world, many people suffer oppression, face persecution, and are denied their rights. When Americans learn about these injustices, their hearts grow compassionate. In 1975, North Vietnamese tanks rolled through Saigon, South Vietnam, marking the end of the Vietnam War. After South Vietnam fell, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese tried to escape. They didn’t want to live under communist rule, taking desperate risks in fear for their lives, often fleeing in overcrowded boats with only their clothing. America responded gladly by welcoming Vietnamese refugees. Congress enacted the Indochina Migration and Refugee Act, which brought together local volunteers, churches, and nonprofits across the country. Something incredible then happened: a local volunteer family took on the responsibility of hosting one Vietnamese refugee family, and then another followed. The host family offered guidance, helping them learn English, get driving lessons or a car, and find jobs. This noble effort eventually inspired hundreds of thousands of American families to join in. Across the country, families warmly opened their doors, not just a few, but to 750,000 families. Each refugee family member found shelter, a new beginning, and a chance for a fresh start, all made possible through the kindness, compassion, and generosity that define America.

Portrait by Prachurya Baruah, a young artist from India.

Today, this amazing chapter in America’s story is often overlooked, but the families who found shelter here will always remember America’s kindness. These immigrants and refugees have become proud citizens who contribute so much to our country, helping to build it from the ground up. When you visit a medical facility, chances are you’ll be treated by an immigrant, since about one in four doctors and nearly one in four pharmacists in America are immigrants. The food you enjoy every day—the fresh produce at stores and homes—often comes from the hard work of immigrant farm workers. The new homes, offices, and busy roads connecting our cities are frequently built by immigrant construction workers. They are also small business owners, opening restaurants, grocery stores, and shops that help keep our communities lively and thriving. On top of that, immigrant students and researchers are contributing in universities and labs, uncovering new knowledge and coming up with solutions for a better future. These hardworking individuals often go unseen, and their efforts are sometimes taken for granted. But in our city of Dallas, one special person decided to shine a spotlight on them—former President George Bush. He created stunning portraits of 43 individual immigrants he has met over his lifetime, and his book, “Out of Many, One,” is an account of their heartfelt stories.

The Library and the art exhibit are housed inside the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas

 In the early nineties, Congress enacted legislation to create the H-1B program. When George Bush signed it into law, he said the program would “encourage the immigration of exceptionally talented people, such as scientists, engineers, and educators.” The immigrants who came here because of this program laid the foundation for the fast-paced, connected world we know today. From tiny computer chips that process information to the vast systems that organize the world's knowledge, many essential parts of our digital lives were built or led by immigrants. Their hard work, intelligence, and passion for innovation made America the hub of the technology industry. Elon Musk, Jensen Hang, and Satya Nadella all came to the United States under the H-1B program. Elon Musk started Tesla and then SpaceX, a company that builds rockets. Microsoft grew stronger under the leadership of Nadella. Jensen Hang established Nvidia, a company that makes chips that powered the AI revolution. I myself benefited from this program. Unfortunately, the current administration has proposed significant changes. There will be a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa petition. This is a prohibitive amount. How can nonprofits and universities afford this? I fear this action will ultimately shut down the entire program.

Friends, imagine once again a man with his wife and children standing outside your home, lost, hungry, and thirsty. Would you offer them shelter or perhaps lend an umbrella? Today, the world confronts numerous crises—including global warming, the looming energy shortage, and climate change—that pose serious threats to us all. To maintain our role as a leader of the free world, America needs to attract smart, innovative immigrants. It’s vital that America remains a top destination for these outstanding individuals. Our future innovations and progress depend on welcoming and supporting the brightest minds. Let’s open that umbrella, reflecting the friendly spirit of American values—freedom, liberty, and happiness—so they can thrive here. Together, we can make America shine even brighter! Let’s strive to make America great again!

Speech Evaluation by Geri Tucker