President Barack Obama, lower left, looks on as 24 active duty service members take an oath during a naturalization ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., April 23, 2010. (White House photo by Lawrence Jackson)
America was founded as a beacon of freedom, inclusion, and opportunity for the world, and has since thrived – powered largely by our unique diversity and constant influx of fresh energy, talent, and ideas. This is who we are, and what makes us great.
On September 17th, we paused to recognize National Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and to reaffirm our pride as a nation of immigrants. In more than 180 naturalization ceremonies taking place this week, over 18,000 new citizens are being welcomed into the American family.
But today we are also reminded of the countless individuals who at this point in our nation’s history do not have the opportunity to earn their citizenship. 11 million people are waiting in the shadows as a result of our broken immigration system, which is why the President and his Administration stand firmly with the majority of Americans pushing for commonsense, comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to earned citizenship. We know it is possible, we just need Congress to act, and finish the job.
Fonte: White House