Back in third grade, my classmates told me to “go back to my country.” Before I could even respond, a friend next to me jumped in, saying, “Shut up. He may not seem as American, but he’s still one of us.”
After that, I asked her what she meant. I mean, I was born in Passaic, New Jersey, so technically, she had a more historical claim than I did—her family had been in New Jersey since it was a Dutch colony.
We shared a love for the same sports team, practiced the same faith, enjoyed similar foods, played in the marching band together, and both considered ourselves “patriotic.” Yet, she insisted that she was more American because her family’s presence in the country had been longer.
Fast forward a few years and this conversation still lingers, especially as changing demographics in the U.S. have sparked similar debates. The truth is, many Americans want to confront illegal immigration, yet there’s also this underlying anger about the nation becoming less white. And, well, they aren’t entirely wrong. Over recent decades, shifts in U.S. demographics have stemmed from immigration waves from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, coupled with a decline in birth rates among older white populations.
But does that mean the country is losing its American identity?
What’s truly powerful about America isn’t just its military or economy, but rather its culture—and that’s something deeply rooted. American culture is fundamentally about assimilation, and that’s a two-way street. Conservatives often point fingers at immigrants, claiming they don’t adopt American values, yet it’s evident that diverse influences are woven into all facets of American life.
Take college football, for instance, a quintessentially American tradition. My child plays on a team alongside kids from various backgrounds—Polynesian, Mexican, Nigerian, East Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean. If you watch a university marching band, like the one at my alma mater, Ohio State, you’ll notice how much more diverse it’s become since I was there. There are plenty more Black, Asian, and Latino kids, yet they continue to set the standard for bands nationwide. Look at the student sections at games; you’ll see diverse faces all sharing the same enthusiasm.
Amidst these demographic changes, it seems that newer groups are eager to engage in our traditions. The so-called “War on Christmas” is quite amusing when you see Hindu families decorating or Muslim parents taking their kids to see the lights. Even atheists get in on the action, spending money, decorating, or participating in celebrations related to Christianity.
This process is known as “assimilation.” Holidays like July 4th are still celebrated with fervor, and Thanksgiving remains a time for family gatherings—even if they can be a bit contentious. We continue to honor our veterans, sometimes even more so than in the past.
When we think about the military, the trends indicate a mix of immigrants and first-generation individuals. Over the last 30 years, the representation has grown significantly. First-generation Americans are running for local offices, starting businesses, managing school boards, and shuttling kids to practices.
Claims that immigrants don’t assimilate have always been a misleading narrative, often pitched by anti-immigrant proponents. There have been times when Italians and Irish were deemed outsiders, lacking American values.
Now those same voices might argue that current immigrants do not share our values as their ancestors did. It’s an endless cycle of “othering.” Indian Americans today might say their predecessors faced little trouble fitting in, regardless of their roots.
And perhaps that’s the crux of the issue. Immigrants often wrestle with fitting in. Learning a new language is challenging; cultural habits differ; even different systems of measurement can feel overwhelming. Additionally, grasping the rules of baseball and soccer can be almost impossible for newcomers.
So naturally, people gravitate towards those who seem similar to them. Politicians that thrive on fear highlight these distinctions but often ignore what comes next. All groups gradually begin to assimilate and adapt, which is fundamentally part of our culture. It encourages independence and active participation in society. Immigration facilitates this process.
Take Usha Vance, for example. Born to Indian immigrants in California, she participated in a marching band, went to college, volunteered for Girl Scouts, attended Yale, and is now the second lady of America. She maintains her parents’ cultural practices as practical Hindus and vegetarians—she exemplifies what assimilation can look like.
But here’s the thing: Vance isn’t an outlier; she’s more representative of the trend. There are countless immigrant children who have successfully blended into American culture just as she has.
Her husband, Vice President JD Vance, has his own story. He grew up in Ohio, served in the Marines, earned an Ivy League degree, and even cooks Indian food. My own journey has some parallels; I’ve served in the Marines, attended Ivy League schools, and learned how to prepare biryani. It’s textbook assimilation.
Currently, we’re in a phase that seeks to reduce the immigrant population—both legal and illegal. Politicians often exploit fears that America is becoming “less American.” But these politicians underestimate the enduring strength of American culture. Our culture revolves around assimilation, and immigrants and their children have been embracing it. If you don’t believe me, just tune into a college football game this weekend.
