America is a nation built by immigrants. Nearly every single American family has traveled here from another part of the world, and our nation’s history, values, and variety of cultural experiences reflect the myriad of people who contributed to its founding and growth. Ali Velshi, who took his citizenship oath nine years ago, is an immigrant like the millions who have come before.
Citizenship Day, observed on September 17, honors those who have made the conscious choice to become American citizens. Many people who come to the U.S. as immigrants escaped suffering by coming here — and suffered much to get here. Their goals are freedom, securing work, education, and making a new home here once they have achieved that coveted citizenship. What’s more, their goals are our gain.
Our country has achieved unprecedented economic growth and technological advancement thanks to immigrants who chose to come to America. Citizenship is not to be taken for granted; it is a muscle that must be exercised through civic engagement. Ours is a government of the people, by the people, for the people, and the people must be responsible for maintaining good citizenship.
LISTEN: VELSHI ON THE POWER OF CITIZENSHIP
WATCH: VELSHI SHARES THE PRIVILEGE OF TAKING THE CITIZENSHIP OATH
MORE FROM MSNBC’S ALI VELSHI