I was fortunate enough to celebrate Independence Day honoring a group of extraordinarily brave people. President Obama presided over a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members who put their lives on the line although they weren’t U.S. citizens. His remarks touched on the necessity of immigrants in our country, and his recent prosecutorial discretion decision affecting millions of young undocumented immigrants as well as stressing the need for the passage of the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform. But he focused on what makes our country great and the importance of immigration in our country's entire foundation.
 
President Obama reminded us all that no matter how long ago our ancestors came here, unless we are of Native American descent we are the result of immigration to this country. Much of the animosity towards immigrants today is marked by a sense of ownership and territory of this country, but the President rightly reminded us, "...whether they arrived on the Mayflower or on a slave ship, whether they came through Ellis Island or crossed the Rio Grande," we are all here because someone who came before us wanted better for their descendants. 
 
The same is true for immigrants trying to move here today. Some are escaping oppression, others a failed economy. Many are hungry for educational opportunities. All are coming here in search of an American dream that needs them as much as they need it.
 
As the President eloquently said yesterday, “So the story of immigrants in America isn’t a story of "them," it’s a story of "us."  It’s who we are.  And now, all of you get to write the next chapter."
 
The men and women honored yesterday could not be more deserving to enjoy the rights and responsibilities that come with being an American citizen. Now their story is part of “The Story of Us” and I for one, could not be prouder of some of our newest citizens.