Truer to Ourselves: Migration in America

The history of the United States is, in large part, a story of migration.  This history contains a tapestry of people who began new lives in the United States, through force, coercion, or dreams of a better future.  Others found borders shifting around them.

When President Johnson signed the 1965 Immigration Act into law, he proclaimed that the legislation would make us ‘truer to ourselves both as a country and a people.' He acknowledged that immigration would "strengthen us in a hundred unforeseen ways.’   “Our Beautiful America," he said, "was built by a nation of strangers. “

When President Johnson signed the 1965 Immigration Act into law, he proclaimed that the legislation would make us "truer to ourselves both as a country and a people." He acknowledged that immigration would "strengthen us in a hundred unforeseen ways." "Our Beautiful America," he said, "was built by a nation of strangers."

During this summer institute, participants explored the history of this beautiful nation of strangers, taking a closer look at each era and the many forces that have shaped immigration patterns, policy, and public response. The institute sought to shine a light on "Our Beautiful America" and inspire educators to teach in ways "truer to ourselves."

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library welcomed 40 educators to its annual Summer Institute from July 13–17, 2026, in Austin, Texas. The program was open to all educators (PreK–16, pre-service educators, and informal educators) across all subject areas.

Speakers for the program included:

• Erika Lee, Harvard University

• Maddalena Marinari, Gustavus Adolphus College 

• Tyler Anbinder, George Washington University

• Peter Wong, National Park Service, Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Immigration Museum

“Truer to Ourselves”  was brought to you by the LBJ Library, LBJ Foundation and its generous supporters.