They Who Knock at Our Gates: A Complete Gospel of Immigration

by Mary Antin

"They Who Knock at Our Gates: A Complete Gospel of Immigration" by Mary Antin is a sociopolitical treatise written in the early 20th century. The book examines immigration from ethical, legal, and social perspectives, emphasizing the rights of immigrants and the moral obligations of American society to uphold principles of liberty and equality. Antin argues that the essence of American identity is rooted in its commitment to these ideals, making the immigrant experience central to the nation's mission. The beginning of the work outlines three fundamental questions regarding immigration: the right to regulate it, the nature of contemporary immigration, and its effects on society. Antin discusses the principles derived from the Declaration of Independence, advocating for a humane approach to immigration that recognizes the fundamental rights of all individuals, regardless of their origin. She challenges the emerging perception of immigration as a problem, instead framing it as a continuation of the nation’s commitment to freedom and human rights. The opening establishes a foundation for her argument that to deny immigrants their rights is to undermine the very fabric of American democracy.