There is nothing less to our credit than our neglect of the foreigner and his children, unless it be the arrogance most of us betray when we set out to Americanize him.

Summary

This quote suggests that neglecting foreigners and their children is a significant failure on our part. However, it goes further to criticize the arrogance often displayed when we attempt to assimilate them into American culture. The quote brings attention to the negative consequences of not welcoming and embracing diversity, emphasizing the need to treat and include foreigners with respect and empathy rather than asserting dominance or superiority.