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Ali Velshi on the value and privilege of citizenship for immigrants

 

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Listen: Ali Velshi Reminds Us True Citizenship is a Muscle

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member says it's never too late to celebrate Citizenship Day, honoring those who have made the conscious choice to become American citizens

Listen: Ali Velshi Reminds Us True Citizenship is a Muscle

The MSNBC host and Citizen board member says it's never too late to celebrate Citizenship Day, honoring those who have made the conscious choice to become American citizens

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

Ali Velshi addresses the value of citizenship in discussing Citizenship Day

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