Happy Constitution Day and Citizenship Day! Check out these statements below, from those reflecting on the foundations of our nation’s democracy and this year’s fight for immigration reform.
From Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus:
Today we celebrate the cornerstone on which our country’s enduring democracy was built: the Constitution of the United States. An expression of our commitment to solemn principles of government, it has withstood the passage of time and turmoil and inspired those seeking freedom around the world.
We also welcome new citizens across America this week who will take the oath to uphold our cherished rights and responsibilities. But we can’t forget the millions of aspiring Americans who as of yet have no way of earning citizenship and participating fully in our democracy. Now is the time for real leadership in the House of Representatives to finally fix our broken immigration system. We have inherited exceptional tools to perfect our union, so let’s get to work.
From Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus:
Across America today, those who come to this country to contribute to our economy, to help make this country great, are becoming citizens. They take the oath of citizenship seriously; they pledge to uphold our most cherished rights and responsibilities as American citizens.
On this day, we must also remember those aspiring residents who have no way of earning citizenship. There can be no more excuses, we must pass immigration reform, and we must hear from House Republican leadership that they are willing to vote on a bill which will provide relief to so many undocumented immigrants who are citizens in every sense but literally.
And from a La Opinion editorial today, “The Dream of Citizenship“:
That is why Citizenship Day, which is celebrated today, comes at a very special time. It is an occasion that lets all those people who have built their lives in this land—despite remaining undocumented—dream of fully becoming part of a nation that gave them opportunities they did not find in their country.
Those who were born in this generous land, like many lawmakers who oppose reform, should not look down on foreigners who day by day work to earn a place in the U.S. Eventually, the main factor that differentiates them from one another is the luck of having been born here.
Also check out this new interactive feature from NCLR: What Citizenship Means to Me
