Trump’s cancellation of citizenship ceremonies harms America

This summer, a remarkable event unfolded as a dear friend and many others from various countries, such as Yemen and Togo, became American citizens during a ceremony in Brooklyn. My friend, a Pakistani who had lived in the U.S. for decades, participated in the oath of allegiance, and the group celebrated this milestone with post-ceremony photos and drinks. During the ceremony, the presiding judge delivered a poignant speech on multiculturalism, urging new citizens to cherish their heritage while embracing their American identity. He emphasized that becoming a citizen is not about forfeiting one’s past but enriching it with new experiences.The judge’s remarks sparked a philosophical discussion among my friends about their implications in a politically charged environment. He reassured the new citizens that they hold equal status and should not feel inferior due to their naturalized status. However, there was an underlying tension, as my friend’s citizenship process took place amid an atmosphere of fear and hostility towards immigrants, highlighted by the Trump administration’s rhetoric and actions. This was particularly poignant, given the recent history of increased deportations and the cancellation of citizenship ceremonies based on country of origin.

Reflecting on citizenship, I recalled my mother’s naturalization ceremony fourteen years prior, which contrasted sharply with the current climate. Then, the experience was celebratory and inclusive, with a diverse crowd and a sense of commitment to shared ideals. This was the Obama era, marked by initiatives like DACA that fostered a welcoming environment for immigrants, even amidst issues of mass deportation. The ceremony felt like a secure and hopeful conclusion to a well-structured journey toward citizenship.

In stark contrast, the present Trump administration is undermining the concept of citizenship as a democratic bond. This shift is evident in the rhetoric of figures like Vice President JD Vance, who promotes a hierarchy of citizenship based on ethnic heritage rather than shared democratic principles. Such statements suggest a troubling trend towards defining Americanness through bloodlines rather than adherence to national ideals, fostering a narrative that prioritizes certain ancestries over others.

As these reflections crystallize, it becomes clear that the essence of American identity is being challenged. The hope for a rich, multicultural democracy, where individuals from diverse backgrounds can enrich the nation together, stands at risk. The journey towards citizenship should be honored as a unifying aspect of American life, not politicized or restricted by an agenda that favors some over others.