Legal immigration is still alive and well in South Florida
More than 500 citizens sworn in at the South Florida Fair - Palm Beach Post
Excerpt: More than 500 people from 65 different countries were sworn in as United States citizens Tuesday at a United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USICS) naturalization ceremony at the South Florida Fair, despite the government shutdown.
The new citizens fulfilled the requirements established by Congress by pledging their allegiance to the United States, singing the national anthem, taking the Oath of Allegiance while waving American flags.
After people were asked to stand up as the name of their country of origin was called, a recording of President Donald Trump welcomed the new citizens.
Dear fellow American: It is with great pride that I welcome you into the American family. No matter where you come from or what faith you practice, this country is now your country. Our history is now your history,” he said in the recorded speech.
Bottom Line: First, I’d take anyone of those 500 new American citizens in a civics test over your average born American. Second, it’s my belief that legal immigrants, including these 500 new Floridians, will be part of the long-term solution to many of our looming problems. One of the most consistent, persistent, problems is a lack of perspective of what the United States really offers and what the rest of the world is really like. Starting with this... How many Americans know that approximately 80% of the world’s population isn’t free? I bet you many of these new Americans can give you eye-opening insight.
And what about our border policy and illegal immigration? Do you think that these Americans who’ve done it the right way, the hard way, the American way, generally appreciate those who attempt to break our laws and enter illegally? But how often do you hear that perspective in the news? In fact, The Pew Research Center recently conducted a study of existing legal immigrants and found that over 60% are supportive of the border wall and feel that the US border/immigration policies are too lenient.
In other words, these Americans genuinely wanted to be Americans, appreciate what it means to be an American, understand that freedom is rare and isn’t free and want to ensure we’ll protect it for them and their families. It’s too bad that generations of Americans lack that perspective. It’s probably the single greatest failure of our education establishment. But if/when given a voice these new Americans can help constructively shape our future.