Through the years, immigrants have been essential players helping American sports teams thrive and win. “In the 1950 World Cup, the U.S. team won an improbable victory over England on a goal by Haitian-born forward Joe Gaetjens” Our nation’s strength, in particular when it concerns athletics, comes from recruiting the best of the best. And without our unique distinction as a nation of immigrants, the fact is we just wouldn’t be as competitive in sports.