Mr. Speaker. thousands of foreign citizens come to America as immigrants each year. Many of them are penniless refugees. All of them seek new opportunities in a land of freedom. More immigrants eventually become U.S. citizens at naturalization ceremonies held monthly in U.S. District Courts throughout the Nation. In Arizona. such ceremonies are held in Phoenix and Tucson. where scores of new citizens each year freely choose this country as their own. promising to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution and their fellow Americans from all threats at home and abroad. These naturalization ceremonies afford all Americans a unique opportunity to reflect upon our own good fortunes. They reaffirm our determination that promise. hope. and opportunity are matters of reality. not mere rhetoric. for all who come to our shores. And they allow native Americans the chance to extend a warm. sincere welcome to new citizens. who like them now equally share the freedoms and responsibilities that make America great. Mr. Speaker. an inspiring commentary on one such naturalization ceremony in Boston was recently published in The Christian Science Mdnitor. It was written by a new American citizen. and I am sure reflects the feelings of many who have shared this wonderful experience.
Keywords matched
naturalization immigrants refugees