WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have released a new letter that President Donald Trump will send to every newly naturalized citizen beginning today, September 17, Constitution Day.
The document marks a shift in tone from past presidential messages to immigrants, which have often talked about diversity and renewal, media reports noted, with Trump stressing what the United States offers its new citizens and the obligations that come with citizenship.
“No matter where you come from, you now share a home and a heritage with some of the most exceptional heroes, legends, and patriots to ever walk the face of the Earth,”
Trump says in the message. The letter congratulates recipients, focusing less on diversity and seeing naturalization as an assimilation into American traditions and values: “America has always welcomed those who embrace our values, assimilate into our society and pledge allegiance to our country,” the letter reads. “This rich heritage is now yours to protect, promote, and pass down to the next generation. Our history is now your history. Our customs are now your customs. And our Constitution is now yours to safeguard, honor, and respect.”
The president also underscores the civic dimensions of citizenship: “The United States is now your homeland, and you stand as a part of one Nation under God. You have pledged your heart to America—and in return, she offers the boundless promise of freedom and opportunity.”
While continuing to push for deportations of undocumented migrants, Trump has insisted he supports lawful immigration, Fox News pointed out. “I’m fine with legal immigration,” he said in his first press conference of his second term. “We need people and I’m absolutely fine with it – we want to have it.”
DHS has reintroduced stricter vetting practices, including neighborhood interviews.
The timing of the letter’s distribution—on Constitution Day—is deliberate. Trump ties citizenship not only to opportunity but also to responsibility: “We applaud your devotion to our country, our people, our history and our great American story. As long as the American people continue to love our country and uphold our values, there is nothing that our Nation cannot achieve. Our communities will flourish. Our people will prosper.”
The messaging comes as Trump continues to link immigration policy to public safety. Following the recent beheading of a motel manager in Dallas by an undocumented immigrant with a prior criminal record, Trump had earlier made it clear, “Being soft on these illegal immigrant criminals is over.”
The president closes his letter with a note of optimism: “Our traditions will endure. And our future will be brighter, more radiant, and more hopeful than ever before.”
Courtesy- India-West News Desk
