Peggy Levitt, author of "God Needs No Passport: Immigrants and the Changing American Religious Landscape"

Immigration has been a traditional source of energy for the American engine of progress. But during the 20th century major changes occurred in the countries of origin and culture beliefs of those immigrating to America. Religion, in the form of new beliefs and customs is a prominent aspect of this change. What has resulted are large transnational communities loyal to both their traditional faiths and new homeland. Author Peggy Levitt sees this as a source of great national strength for those capable of embracing a new sense of pluralism.