The Los Angeles immigration lawyers and staff at HOWARD | NASSIRI wish each of you a safe and joyous Fourth of July holiday.
And we offer our congratulations to the 3,800 people who will become naturalized U.S. citizens this Fourth of July weekend. The Associated Press reports that 150 of those were sworn in as U.S. citizens at a ceremony on Ellis Island.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reports those at Ellis Island took the Oath of Allegiance on Friday, overlooking the Statue of Liberty, in the very place that has come to symbolize the founding of our country as a nation of immigrants.
Each year, 680,000 people become naturalized U.S. citizens. Those eligible must be at least 18 years old, legal permanent residents of the U.S., have lived here continually for the last five years and pass a written test.
But the process leaves millions of immigrants out of luck when it comes to gaining legal status. Many of them have lived in this country for years, or even decades, and are hardworking, law abiding residents.
Until politics can be set aside and comprehensive immigration reform can be passed, these ceremonies on the Fourth of July offer little more than symbolism.
Ellis Island was the busiest immigration station in the United States from 1892 to 1954. Over 100 million Americans -- one third of the population -- can trace their roots to a relative who arrive in the United States via Ellis Island. In its peak year, 1907, more than a million immigrants arrived at the island to begin their lives in the New World.
Nearly 12,000 arrived on a single day.
The Los Angeles immigration attorneys at HOWARD | NASSIRI offer confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-872-5925 or contact us through this website.
