In his vision, Nephi saw that America would be cleansed and the wicked Gentiles would be eliminated from the face of the western hemisphere. This is the first time we have had a clear reference to the cleansing of America. However, Nephi wants to make a point concerning those who survive the cleansing of America, so he says:
It will be observed that Nephi is addressing all of these revelations in this part of his writings to his "beloved brethren." He is talking to his descendants and the descendants of Laman and Lemuel in the latter days. On 34 different occasions Nephi has referred to his beloved brethren of the latter days. In his sweeping vision of many centuries he has seen them, watched their persecutions and suffering during fratricidal warfare, and rejoiced as he saw their efforts to spread the gospel eventually around the world. However, he has a word of warning for the children of Israel. They are no better than the Gentiles unless they repent and embrace the covenants of the gospel. If they do not do this, they will perish during the cleansing of America right along with the wicked Gentiles.