America, unlike some countries, is not defined by a common ancestry, nor is it tied to an official faith tradition. But it does have a distinct identity and a quasi-religious foundation.

Americans are expected to hold their hands over their hearts when they recite the Pledge of Allegiance or stand for the national anthem. Young people are taught to regard the country’s founders almost as saints. The “self-evident” truths listed in the Declaration of Independence and the key provisions of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights have acquired the status of scripture in the U.S. consciousness.

Tom will be presenting A Nation of Nations at the 2016 Fall for the Book Festival, organized by George Mason University and the City of Fairfax, VA

More information>

Tom discussed A Nation of Nations during an hourlong interview on the Diane Rehm Show on Tuesday, September 15.   Listen to the interview online or read the transcript>

Tom’s op-ed in the Washington Post: “The Unintended Consequences of a 50-year-old U.S. Immigration Bill”

Tom’s Atlantic Online column: “The Immigration Act That Inadvertently Changed America”

“Backstory” feature on A Nation of Nations on Washington Week webcast with Gwen Ifill

Tom’s npr.org feature story: “In 1965, A Conservative Tried To Keep America White. His Plan Backfired”

Tom’s profiles of immigrant families on npr.org: “Influx Of Non-European Immigrants Defines America Today”

“How the 1965 Immigration Act Changed America”  Simon & Schuster author interview

“The Great Immigration Debate” Simon & Schuster author interview