Cornyn Delivers Keynote At Swearing-In For More Than 2,800 New U.S. Citizens In Garland

Press Release

Cornyn Delivers Keynote At Swearing-In For More Than 2,800 New U.S. Citizens In Garland

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Ranking Member of the Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee, delivered the keynote address at a naturalization ceremony for more than 2,800 Dallas-Fort Worth area residents in Garland on Wednesday. The group sworn-in represents 110 countries, including 12 members of the U.S. military.

"America is a nation built on the dreams, hopes, struggles and hard work of immigrants," Sen. Cornyn said. "Regardless of where we originally came from, we all seek the promise of a better life for our families and children."

Sen. Cornyn authored the Military Citizenship Act, which was incorporated into a larger bill and enacted into law in 2003. It expedites the naturalization process for the men and women serving in the U.S. military who are not citizens.

Noting those sworn-in who serve in the U.S. military, Sen. Cornyn said: "These immigrant soldiers take on the uniform of our nation, serve under the flag of our nation and fight to protect our freedom. It is only right that they should be welcomed as citizens of our nation. The law we passed in 2003 fulfills a critical responsibility to welcome those who fight and die for the United States."

On hand for the ceremony at the Garland Independent School District's Special Events Center were Garland Mayor Bob Day and Angela Barrows, Dallas District Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which hosted the event.

"The new citizens today join a country that has always recognized the important role immigrants play in our democracy—enriching so many aspects of our society and culture," Sen. Cornyn added. "Despite differences that may exist, we share a love of this great country, and the freedom, liberty and democracy it offers. Becoming a naturalized citizen is no small accomplishment. I congratulate all those who have made the journey and are now adding to the uniqueness of America."

Sen. Cornyn is actively engaged in working toward an immigration bill again this year that would secure our border, reform broken immigration procedures and restore respect for U.S. law.

Source