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Your Honor, members of the court, Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Americans Congratulations! Today is one of the most important chapters in your life, you are now an American citizen, free to pursue your happiness and dreams. Your rights are only limited by the rights of others. This is the only country in the world that opens its arms, takes us in, and gives us the rights that a native-born American has. What a country!

I know how all of you citizens are feeling right now. I am an immigrant just like you. I am of Armenian heritage and my parents escaped communism and ran from Russia to Iran in 1932, where I was born. As a child, every time I saw the American Flag or heard the National Anthem, my body broke out in goose bumps and I thought of hope and freedom.

In 1948, my whole family and I were fortunate enough to enter the USA and in 1955, I became an American citizen, just like you today. My becoming an American citizen did not mean that I forgot my heritage or traditions. I should hold onto that because it makes me a better human being, and a better citizen. I respect and honor my heritage, but now I am an American just like you. And this is my home, just like yours. And this is my country, as it is yours.

Now we must learn the traditions, the heritage and the language of this beloved country. If we do not it means that we do not respect this land that has accepted us. If we, or our children do not learn the English language, we will never be able to enter the main stream or understand the heartbeat of this land. We will never be able to enter the business world or the International world of technology needed for the 21st Century.

Speaking English well and teaching our children English opens the door to success. It is our obligation. Becoming an American citizen is the highest privilege and at the same time, the greatest responsibility of any citizenship in the world.

As you know, this country was founded by immigrants – even the pilgrims were immigrants – and their values of hard work and responsibility set the foundation for this nation. They were the backbone of this country as you have become today. You and your children are the future of America.

As thousands upon thousands of immigrants entered the U.S. through Ellis Island in New York, they saw the Statue of Liberty on whose base these words are written: GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR, YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE. SEND THESE, THE
HOMELESS TEMPEST-TOSSED TO ME, I LIFT MY LAMP BESIDE THE GOLDEN DOOR.

Yes, America has opened its golden door and lit the light of hope for every oppressed individual thought the world, giving us political and religious freedom, educational opportunities and the hope to achieve the American Dream. America does not guarantee happiness, but it guarantees the opportunity to pursue happiness.

But you and I know that we also have many problems in our beloved country. Problems that are created by man and not by the constitution of this land. To solve these problems we must stand together, with honor, as one.

It does not matter if you are English, if you are Irish, if you are Mexican, Chinese, Korean, Italian, Philippine or anything else- YOU ARE AN AMERICAN.. It does not matter if you are black, brown, white, yellow or red- WE ARE ALL AMERICANS.

We must all stand together as one American. Enjoy the rights that our constitution has given us, but also remember to help each other and help our beloved adoptive country. Together we can provide the support this country ends and make a difference for future generations to come.

With our unified strength, we have the opportunity to show our gratitude to this country by bringing back the important values of our ancestors- values like hard work, respect, responsibility and the importance of family.]

Today you take your first step on a journey that will change the course of your life and that of this country. As president Kennedy said ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’

God bless you all! Congratulations! and Thank You America!