Fresh Take: President Trump's Welcome to Newly-Minted American Citizens
New American citizensare now being informed by Donald Trump that they have been granted an unprecedented blessing.
In a video posted on Monday, June 9, President Donald Trump extended a warm welcome to new U.S. citizens, encouraging them to embrace their newfound roles as protectors of American values.
The video, which features at naturalization ceremonies across the country, begins with the president stating, "Today, you receive the highest honor bestowed upon by man: you become a citizen of the United States of America."
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) highlighted that becoming a citizen involves respecting the law, speaking English, and demonstrating attachment to the U.S. Constitution.
In his address, the president emphasized the importance of these new citizens in preserving American culture. He elaborated on what this culture represents, such as hard work, a merit-based system, and equal opportunities. He also stressed the importance of self-government, a fair, impartial justice system, and the protection of certain God-given rights, including free speech, the free exercise of religion, and the right to bear arms.
Trump concluded by stating, "This special American culture is now yours to preserve. Your freedoms are now yours to protect. Our nation is entirely yours to love and help build. We trust you will do a fantastic job and make us very, very proud."
Citizenship: A Privilege That Requires Respect
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser deemed it essential for new citizens to hear the president's message. He stated, "U.S. citizenship is a privilege reserved for those who respect our laws, culture, and history."
Protests against increasing ICE raids and arrests have been happening for the past four days, with the epicenter in Los Angeles and New York City. Trump's video release coincided with his order to deploy 700 National Guard troops, escalating tensions with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who later decided to sue the president.
Important Reminder:
In President Trump’s message, a few key points stand out:
- Protection of American Values: Trump encourages new citizens to fiercely guard and defend American values and the American way of life.
- Embracing Core Societal Pillars: The president highlights the importance ofvalues such as hard work, merit, equality of opportunity, self-government, and a fair, impartial justice system.
- Preservation of Freedoms: He calls for new citizens to cherish and uphold God-given rights, including free speech, the free exercise of religion, and the right to bear arms.
This message serves as a call to action for new citizens, urging them to not only embrace their new identity as Americans but also to actively participate in preserving and defending the country's most cherished values.
- Newly-minted American citizens were encouraged by President Trump to protect and defend American values, such as hard work, merit, equality of opportunity, self-government, and a fair, impartial justice system.
- In President Trump's message, it was emphasized that cherishing and upholding God-given rights, including free speech, the free exercise of religion, and the right to bear arms, is essential for new American citizens.
