Advertisement

Updated July 3rd, 2021 at 16:13 IST

Biden hosts naturalization ceremony at White House

President Joe Biden held a naturalization ceremony Friday at the White House in which 21 immigrants became citizens as the administration pushes for more pathways to citizenship.

Biden
IMAGE: AP | Image:self
Advertisement

President Joe Biden held a naturalization ceremony Friday at the White House in which 21 immigrants became citizens as the administration pushes for more pathways to citizenship.

Biden used the moment to call for the option of citizenship for immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, for foreign-born people who have temporary protected status due to strife in their birth countries and for farm workers.

Biden said the coronavirus pandemic _ where immigrants helped save lives as frontline workers, scientists and researchers _ and the recent Mars rover landing, which was driven by a team full of immigrants, proved his point.

Immigration has been a political flashpoint as Biden has sought to renew visa and refugee programs that were cut or suspended during the Trump administration.

In February, Biden and congressional Democrats proposed a major immigration overhaul that included an eight-year pathway to citizenship for the roughly 11 million people living in the United States illegally.

Republican lawmakers blocked the effort and have criticized the administration for the rise in people attempting to cross the southern border without visas.

The immigration debate involves fundamental issues of national security and economic growth. Republican lawmakers seeking to limit immigration say it will help keep the U.S. safe and protect jobs for native-born citizens.

But economists, many associated with Democrats, say increased immigration would boost economic growth that is currently weighed down by falling fertility rates.

The president also recognized Sandra Lindsay as an “Outstanding American by Choice,” a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services program that recognizes citizens who have been naturalized.

Lindsay is believed to be the first American to be vaccinated against COVID-19 outside of a clinical trial. She works as director of nursing for critical care at Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, New York.

IMAGE: AP

Advertisement

Published July 3rd, 2021 at 16:13 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Christopher, Wife Emma To Get British Knighthood And Damehood
3 minutes ago
The tax notice sent to the Congress party pertains to the assessment years 2017 to 2021.
12 minutes ago
Tie-dye printed shirts
16 minutes ago
A case has been registered against former minister and BRS working president KTR in Hanmakonda
16 minutes ago
Ramban Accident
28 minutes ago
Bitcoin
29 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE
32 minutes ago
Faridabad Fire: Massive Blaze Engulfs Factory in Bhankri Village, Panic Grips Locality
41 minutes ago
Riyan Parag
42 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo