Out of Many, One

“At its core, immigration is a sign of a confident and successful nation. Immigrants' talent and hard work and love of freedom have helped us become the leader of the world.”

- President George W. Bush

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Out of Many, One

Portraits of America's Immigrants
by President George W. Bush

A powerful collection of 43 portraits painted by President George W. Bush and accompanying stories that exemplify the promise of America and our proud history as a nation of immigrants.

Out of Many, One reminds us of the countless ways in which America has been strengthened by those who have come here in search of a better life.

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Hardcover and deluxe editions available now in bookstores everywhere

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Bush Library and Museum

Exhibit Update

The special exhibit exhibit Out of Many, One is now open. Masks are required.

Learn more about Afghanistan: Why We Can't Look Away.

Afghanistan: Why We Can't Look Away

A virtual conversation on the challenges Afghans are encountering at home and in other countries.

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Policy Hub

Explore Our Work

Bold, principle-based solutions from the Bush Institute on immigration reform

Bush Institute

Immigration Policy

Every year that goes by without reforming the United States immigration system means a missed opportunity to ensure the future prosperity, vitality, and security of our nation.

Learn more about Immigration Policy Hub.

In Depth

Immigration Policy Hub

Explore the Bush Institute's work in immigration, including recommendations for policymakers.

Dreamers

Dreamers are undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. They've often only known America as their home.

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3.6M

Dreamers living in the United States
Refugees & Asylum Seekers

Refugees and asylum seekers are unable to return to their home country due to persecution or a fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

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3M+

refugees welcomed into the United States since 1980.
Border Management

America needs a border solution that is nimble and makes sense for the 21st century.

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700+

miles of physical barriers along our southern border
Employment & Skill-Based Immigration

Immigration laws that admit more immigrants based on their skills, education, and work experience will get workers into open jobs and strengthen our economy.

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2X

Immigrants start businesses at twice the rate of the native-born population.
Solutions for Undocumented Immigrants

Most undocumented immigrants have lived in the United States for decades, and many have U.S.-citizen children. They have filled an important role in our economy.

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50-75%

of undocumented immigrations pay federal income taxes despite not having Social Security or legal work authorization.
Our Shared Responsibility

All of us benefit when new Americans weave the cultures and customs of their birthplace into the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the United States. The work of integrating immigrants into communities is a shared responsibility.

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1 of 4

children in the United States has at least one immigrant parent.

Out of Many, One

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Our Experts

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Bush Institute-SMU
Economic Growth Initiative team

Out of Many, One

New American Stories

Dirk Nowitzki

As a 7 foot tall 20-year-old from Germany, Dirk Nowitzki arrived in Dallas and began learning the challenges that come with starting a new life in a foreign land — and about high expectations from basketball fans. But by the end of his career, Dirk was so beloved that the city named a street after him not because he's one of best players in NBA history, but because of how much he's given back to his adopted home.
Read his story in Out of Many, One
Roya Mahboob

Roya Mahboob started her first software development company in 2010, becoming one of the first female tech CEOs in Afghanistan. Her success caught the attention of the Taliban. She received threats and was followed. To seek safety and continue her work, Mahboob's American business partner sponsored her work visa, and she came to the United States in 2014.
Read about her work with Afghan girls
Joseph Kim

At the age of 12 Joseph Kim became a homeless orphan in North Korea. He was forced to live on the streets and scavenge for food. At 15, Kim escaped North Korea to China and with the help of missionaries and representatives from Liberty in North Korea was able to come to the United States. After graduating high school, Kim earned a degree from Bard University and became a U.S. Citizen.
Read Joseph's essay on the American Dream
Thear Suzuki

Thear Suzuki was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in the early 1970's. Suzuki's family of seven survived the genocide known as The Killing Fields by hiding in jungles until they managed to escape to a refugee camp in Thailand. From there they went from camp to camp until the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Migration and Refugee Service sponsored their immigration to the United States. Suzuki's parents worked multiple jobs to help make ends meet and provide for their children. In 1992, Suzuki became a U.S. citizen and now works for Ernst & Young as their principal and talent leader.
Juan Carlos Hernandez

At the age of 9, Juan Carlos Hernandez crossed the U.S.-Mexico border with his brothers to be reunited with his mother who was sending money from the United States to Mexico to support her family. At 15-years-old Hernandez obtained his green card and at 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Hernandez received his citizenship while serving in Afghanistan and on Oct. 13, 2009 an enemy rocket-propelled grenade hit his helicopter. He lost his right leg below the knee from the shrapnel that came through the floor of where he was standing.
Read Juan Carlos' story

With Special Thanks To

Exhibit Sponsors

Anne & Albert Chao
and
Reinnette & Stan Marek

Program Partners

Stand Together

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative DAF,
an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Carnegie Corporation of New York

Out of Many One

Portraits of America's Immigrants

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