President Obama Holds Naturalization Ceremony for Immigrant Troops on Independence Day

Washington, D.C. - As Americans head out to celebrate the birthday of the country they love so much, President Obama holds a naturalization ceremony for immigrants who put themselves in danger to protect our beloved freedoms, ones we often take for granted.

The White House is hosting a variety of Fourth of July celebrations which include a barbeque, a concert and a view of the fireworks on the south lawn. But most importantly President Obama held a naturalization ceremony for two dozen soldiers who made sacrifices for a country that did not yet recognize them as citizens.

“What a perfect way to celebrate America’s birthday- the world’s oldest democracy- with some of our newest citizens,” the President said to a group of soldiers and their families.

“You put on the uniform of a country that was not yet fully your own. In a time of war, some of you deployed into harm’s way. You displayed the values that we celebrate every Fourth of July- duty, responsibility, and patriotism,” the POTUS said.

In order to serve in the U.S. military, immigrants must enter the country legally, often made much easier with the help of an immigration attorney.  After satisfying their residency requirements and passing their citizenship test, we honor these soldiers making them Americans.

President Obama, seeking re-election in November, also emphasized the need for immigration reform. While immigrant advocates, immigration attorneys and lawmakers have long said the naturalization system is in need of reform, it has been stalled for year with little progress.

The most recent effort for reform, the DREAM Act, has failed to pass Congress on more than one occasion, despite having bi-partisan support in the past.

Naturalization is a long process, but an endeavor that is well worth the effort. Hopeful immigrants can go through the legal process under the guidance of an immigration attorney.