As we head into the Fourth of July and America's 250th year, we wanted to share a moment that captures something essential about who we are as a country, friend.
President Clinton presided over a naturalization ceremony, at the Clinton Presidential Center, swearing in 42 new American citizens and taking time afterward to surprise one new citizen who works at the Center with a personal moment neither of them will forget.
President Clinton shared this reflection on the ceremony:
"America has become the longest-lasting democracy in history in large part thanks to generation after generation of immigrants who have brought their talents, hard work, and dreams to our country. I was honored to welcome 42 new citizens at my Presidential Center as they took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, who will help us write the next chapter of our American story."
It's a story that carries even more weight today — a reminder that the question of who belongs to this country, and how, remains very much alive in our national life.
As President Clinton said:
"Our country is a nation founded by immigrants, with a rich history of welcoming people from all across the world looking for a better life. Our diversity has always been our strength."
