On Friday, 193 people from 55 countries of origin became naturalized citizens of the U.S. in Anchorage. I was there because a friend was one of them.
The joy in the auditorium was overwhelming. Each person told their personal story about finding freedom and opportunity here, thanked family and friends for encouragement, and a vast majority concluded with the phrase: “God bless America!”
The process is not simple, and these new citizens know a lot about our country and its government. They are valuable additions to our nation. I hope that our Congress will find more ways to accept and integrate immigrants who desire to find a better place to live.
It was a truly inspiring event.
— Jon Sharpe
Anchorage
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