Despite historical evidence regarding the USA’s roots, some politicians continue to argue that immigrants have nothing to do with it. Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles is at the forefront of this discussion once more after he released a viral statement, which somehow contradicts itself by stating, “Immigrants didn’t build America. Pioneers and Missionaries did.”
The politician added that, “Our forefathers were explorers and Christian ministers. They did not found the New World to deposit a welfare check, and they did not come to mooch. They came to build.” Ogles’ post has since gone viral across several social media platforms, the most prominent of which is Facebook, where commenters immediately fact-checked the Tennessee Representative.
The comments range from mockery to serious corrections, as one X user stated, “FACTS: The Founding Fathers were not Christian ministers; they were a diverse group with varied religious beliefs, ranging from devout orthodox Christians to Deists who rejected traditional doctrines like the Trinity.” Others have pointed out the contradiction in Ogles’ statement, “Did the pioneers and missionaries sprout from the ground? Or did they…immigrate?” Ogles, in the past, has received much backlash for his policies.
Hence, many have called out the Tennessee Rep. for supposedly “forgetting” what exactly is taught to US citizens as early as elementary school, according to one person on X, “And they were all immigrants, Andy. This is basic elementary school stuff. If it’s too much for you, then add another tally in your ‘Unqualified for office’ column.”
People Online are Calling Out the ‘Right Wing Mentality’
Certain commenters weren’t shy about their harsher corrections for Ogles’ statements, however, with claims such as, “They weren’t immigrants, they were colonizers. Still are, as far as Christian missionaries go.” It’s also worth noting that Ogles’ is currently pushing for a bill that plans to halt Islamic immigrants, especially now amid the 2026 Iran War.
Similar sentiments have also criticized conservative and right-wing mentality, “The Right Wing mentality is that a white person can never be an immigrant. If a person is not white, and their family for ten generations has been born and raised in the US, that person is an immigrant. Melania Trump and Elon Musk are not immigrants to the Right.”
As the post continues circulating online, the debate shows little sign of slowing down. Supporters of Ogles argue he was referring specifically to the early settlers who established colonies and communities, while critics say his wording reflects a broader political narrative about who is considered a “real” American. Regardless of intent, the viral exchange has once again turned immigration into a flashpoint topic across social media.
