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The Fourth of July is when we celebrate the birth of our nation and honor her builders and the foundation they constructed. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
I lift my lamp beside the golden door, announces the Statue of Liberty as she stands to greet the newly arrived.
Every day, liberty-seeking immigrants are crossing the same threshold that our immigrant ancestors have for the past three centuries. Prior to September 11, 2001, advocates were hopeful that immigration reform was imminent. But, newfound fears birthed new laws intended to increase security that may swing shut the golden door. Many are asking if this fear isnt making all of us a little less free and are questioning the wisdom of laws that allow non-citizens to serve in the military but not drive a car.
- 2002 saw an all-time high of 32.5 million foreign-born people within our borders, or 11.5% of the population a figure lower than over a century ago when 14.8% of U.S. residents were immigrants.
- Over 60,000 immigrants are on active duty in the armed forces more than half not yet citizens.
- More than 10,000 immigrant workers have lost their jobs as a result of citizenship crackdowns. Yet foreign-born residents age 18 and up are more likely than the U.S.-born to be active in the work force.
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- At least 1,200 immigrants have been secretly detained in the last two years. Yet the inspector general of the Justice Department reported last week that very few proved to have actual ties to terrorism.
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- There are currently over 640,000 immigrants waiting, on average, 12 months to become citizens.
The search for freedom and justice draw people to our nation and keep these values strong. As new immigrants reach to embrace America, can we meet them halfway in achieving their American Dreams? Leaders in communities of newer citizens across the land are demonstrating ways as they guide immigrant people to find their place beside us as active citizens. Can we create opportunity, security and liberty for all?
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