Former President Barack Obama’s reference to slaves as ‘immigrants’ is not the same language used by Ben Carson. Carson directly described slaves as ‘immigrants.’ There was no other qualification. Obama said slaves “in their own way were immigrants themselves.” Obama’s language was carefully thought out and he qualified his remark with “in their own way.”
Here is Barack Obama’s full quote:
“And perhaps, like some of you, these new arrivals might have had some moments of doubt, wondering if they had made a mistake in leaving everything and everyone they ever knew behind. So life in America was not always easy. It wasn’t always easy for new immigrants. Certainly it wasn’t easy for those of African heritage who had not come here voluntarily, and yet in their own way were immigrants themselves. There was discrimination and hardship and poverty. But, like you, they no doubt found inspiration in all those who had come before them. And they were able to muster faith that, here in America, they might build a better life and give their children something more.”
Obama also referred to slaves as 'immigrants'
Jessica Estepa , USA TODAY
