Last Friday, President Biden held a naturalization ceremony for twenty-one immigrants where he embraced their pursuit of the American dream and his hope for a more welcoming and accepting future. Biden assured the American public that he is committed to creating a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants that call the United States home, saying that he “sent an immigration reform bill to the United States Congress.” As he continues to fix our immigration system, Biden also revealed plans to bring back U.S. veterans deported under Trump.
Here are some of the best reactions to the ceremony:
Biden made it clear that the United States should be honored to receive immigrants and should work towards building and immigration system that is fair and humane.
"Thank you for choosing the United States of America, for believing that America is worthy of your dreams." #WeAreHome pic.twitter.com/sF4urxbmeE
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) July 2, 2021
The President also recognizes the sacrifices made by immigrants during a global pandemic.
"All of you represent how immigration is essential to America." #WeAreHome pic.twitter.com/na63eTl0ah
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) July 2, 2021
Biden even awarded Nurse Sandra Lindsay, who immigrated from Jamaica and was the first person who received the COVID-19 vaccine, with the “Outstanding American by Choice.”
"She was also awarded the 'Outstanding American by Choice' award from US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which recognizes naturalized citizens who have made 'significant contributions to our country,' Mr. Biden said, adding that she 'represented the very best of us all.'"
— Gabe Ortíz (@TUSK81) July 6, 2021
And how he is making an effort to help all 11 million undocumented individuals get on a path to citizenship.
"All of you represent how immigration has always been essential to America" – @POTUS at White House Naturalization Ceremony this afternoon #WeAreHome pic.twitter.com/mVohbdng5i
— FWD.us (@FWDus) July 2, 2021
The tone of the ceremony was visibly different from past years under Trump and left many feeling inspired.
The last naturalization ceremony held in the White House was a cheap political scheme during the Republican National Convention carried out in violation of the Hatch Act by Chad Wolf.
This one feels very different. https://t.co/UY0VsJcAf6
— Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) July 2, 2021
What great messaging to do this very moving naturalization ceremony from the WH on this Independence weekend…
This administration is getting laser-focused on the human story of politics and winning. Well done👏
— Can’t We All Get Along? (@Cats4Pete) July 2, 2021
What a wonderful gift for all of us on 4 July, reminding us of our national value of welcoming immigrants who seek citizenship. https://t.co/PNMHA14KiO
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) July 3, 2021
During the ceremony, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas revealed plans to bring back deported veterans.
"The Biden administration unveiled plans Friday to bring hundreds, possibly thousands, of deported veterans and their immediate family members back to the United States, saying their removal 'failed to live up to our highest values.'"https://t.co/biQ1A4aRVr
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) July 6, 2021
"Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas ordered his department’s immigration agencies to 'immediately' take steps to ensure that military families may return to the United States."
— Gabe Ortíz (@TUSK81) July 2, 2021
Mayorkas "said the department would also halt pending deportation proceedings against veterans or their immediate relatives who are in the United States, and clear the way for those who are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship."
— Gabe Ortíz (@TUSK81) July 2, 2021
During the Naturalization Ceremony, the President asked those new citizens, who’s serving in our military to stand, for special recognition.
My hope is he’ll remember the numerous veterans, across the border in Mexico, who served, were deported, and still wait to return home.— James Hubbard (@JamesHu18332770) July 2, 2021
Finally, the ceremony left many reminiscing about their own experience becoming a citizen or seeing a family member become a citizen.
There's one trait you have in common: courage, it takes courage to leave everything you know, said Biden at a naturalization ceremony at the WH. "Believe me, America is worthy of your dreams."
I was naturalized in 2017 – I remember how scary it was to take on this new identity.— Patsy Widakuswara (@pwidakuswara) July 2, 2021
I love watching a naturalization ceremony. It always makes me think of my great grandmother Rosalia Zawila, applying for citizenship in 1943 after coming here alone. I can only imagine her fear and hope and that of everyone that followed a similar journey.
— Allie Carnes (@dissuade) July 2, 2021
My dad’s naturalization ceremony is among my favorite memories. And that was in a convention center with hundreds of others! Can only imagine how amazing a WH ceremony will be! https://t.co/fHssYbqTKp
— Tony Cani (@tcani) July 1, 2021
I had the honor to be the speaker at a Naturalization Ceremony several years ago. It was one of the most meaningful events in my life. I was almost overwhelmed by the moment. I was American by birth, but they were American by choice, and that was important.
— holcomb1943 (@rockledgehiker) July 3, 2021
