B Stands for Becoming a Citizen

Good afternoon,

On September 17^th, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed in Philadelphia, PA. We commemorate this occasion each year with National Citizenship Day on September 17^th.

Immigrants are as integral a part of America’s story as is the Constitution. People from all over the world come to America and make this country their home, contributing to our workforce, economy, communities, and culture. There are approximately 9 million immigrants currently in the U.S. who are eligible to become citizens. To celebrate naturalized citizens and their contributions to the U.S., cities across the country held naturalization ceremonies on Saturday.

Click on the image to learn more about the naturalization process. (Source: National Immigration Forum Twitter) 

While we welcome these newly naturalized Americans, some of the treatment of newly arriving migrants is less than ideal. Recent state-led efforts to transport migrants to other areas of the country have been done without appropriate notice and coordination with receiving cities. Concerns have been raised about whether migrants were misled and the potential criminality of these actions. These individuals have fled their homes in search of safety and have a legal right to request asylum in the U.S. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

These efforts do nothing to address the many real issues affecting border management and our immigration system. Border numbers released this week show that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have made over 2 million immigration arrests in the last 11 months, the highest number tracked so far. This year is also on pace to have the highest number of migrant deaths at the border. Immigration courts have a backlog of over 1.9 million cases. What we need is improved border technology, modernized infrastructure at ports of entry, and increased resources and staffing. Our leaders should offer long term solutions that make border security and management more humane, orderly and smart.

Nevertheless, communities have stepped up to welcome the migrants arriving in their towns. In Martha’s Vineyard, the residents rallied to provide shelter, food, clothing, and other necessities to the approximately 50 migrants who arrived last week. Likewise, local agencies in Washington, D.C., have provided basic essentials and care to migrants arriving in the city. On Tuesday, Council of the District of Columbia voted to create a new government office called the Office of Migrant Services to coordinate additional support.

These events are an opportunity for us to affirm our support for immigrants and to be reminded that citizenship and immigration status do not determine the value of people seeking a better life  within our borders. We should remember that for generations immigrants have strengthened and protected our nation, and that it remains essential that we protect them.

Stay healthy and hopeful,

Nora

Nora Coyne

Manager of Field and Constituencies
National Immigration Forum 

NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:

KFOR: ‘Scriptures are clear’: Christian community addresses border crisis

BLOOMBERG LAW: Bill to Study Immigrants’ Employment Barriers Clears Congress

CBS NEWS: 'There's a lot of fear, a lot of sadness and a lot of frustration:' Dreamers brace for potential end to DACA

ASSOCIATED PRESS: New model to enlist regular Americans to resettle refugees