Lehi begins his discussion of the land of promise in relation to his own family, but in these verses he expands the concept to other peoples as well. The land of promise is open to those brought here by the Lord, and the promise is that they shall remain in liberty as long as they follow the commandments given them. This is both a blessing and a curse, for the nature of the land for its inhabitants is directly related to their righteousness.
The history of the Americas shows that this is a promise that ranges far and wide, and does not appear to be specific to a particular portion of the Western hemisphere, nor to specific time periods. Thus the Lehite land of promise might have been in Central America, but the land of promise for the Gentiles is the North American continent. In none of these interpretations is any part of the land excluded, however, and the benefits of liberty may be enjoyed by all as they follow the commands of God.
It is the historical tradition of many of the countries in the Western hemisphere that they have not always enjoyed the promised liberty, but that does not mean that it is inaccessible, nor that it is precluded forever. It is also quite possible that it is the gospel itself that provides some of the liberty promised to the faithful, even in lands where the political leadership denies full liberty.