This would give the oath the same standing as the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem. Finally. we should celebrate our new citizens. Our legislation would instruct the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement a strategy to raise public awareness of naturalization ceremonies. These ceremonies. which happen virtually every day in the United States. embody what it means to become an American. Every U.S. citizen. not just those from foreign countries. ought to see one. It is my hope that more of these ceremonies will be held in prominent locations and televised on CSPAN. We also would establish an award for citizens who have been naturalized within the last ten years and have made an outstanding contribution to the American nation. Our new citizens are often our best citizens. and this bill would give the President this responsibility so that we can recognize how new Americans play a critical role in the progress of our country. We are a nation of immigrants. Almost all of us can trace our ancestry to some part of the globe quite far from here. Over the coming weeks this body will debate how to reform our immigration system. I believe comprehensive reform must include three things: No. 1. securing our borders. No. 2. creating a legal status for foreign workers and foreign students whom we welcome here. and. No. 3. helping prospective citizens become Americans. The Strengthening American Citizenship Act fulfills that third objective. Comprehensive immigration reform must include efforts to help new Americans become a part of our national family. By Mr. SANTORUM:
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New citizens are often our best citizens.