Statement of Sen. Harkin at the Naturalization Ceremony on Friday, August 13

Statement

"It is with great pleasure that I address you as "my fellow Americans."

"I am honored that Judge Vietor invited me to speak to you on this wonderful occasion.

From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate each and every one of you on becoming a citizen of the United States of America.

"Of course, I realize that most of you have been here many years, and you are already very much a part of our American family. But it sure is nice to make it official!

"I know that each one of you feels like this is one of the greatest days of your life. But let me be clear: This is also a great day for America . . . because, for nearly four centuries, our nation has been continually enriched and renewed by immigrants, like you, who come here with your energy, your talents, and your passion to be free.

"I'm a fan of Fareed Zakaria, a columnist for Newsweek magazine and the Washington Post. He was born in India, but is now a U.S. citizen. He makes the point that the United States is (and I quote) "the first universal nation, a place where people from all over the world can work, mingle, mix, and share in a common dream and a common destiny." [from his new book, "The Post-American World."]

"For me, this is deeply personal. People on my father's side immigrated to America from Ireland long ago. But my mother came to this country only in 1921. I am told that six of you came to America from Bosnia, formerly a part of Yugoslavia. Well, my mother came to America from what would be Yugoslavia. She came from what is now Slovenia, where she was raised in a simple house with a dirt floor.

"She arrived at the port of Boston, with barely enough money to buy a train ticket to Iowa. But she was welcomed with open arms. She was given the opportunity to become a productive citizen -- and, in turn, to give back so much to her adopted homeland.

"Her son - the son of an immigrant - grew up to become a United States Senator. In fact, in 1992, I was crazy enough to run for President! One day, perhaps, one of your sons or daughters will actually become President. In America, that is absolutely possible.

"And those are not just words! Earlier this week, I was in the city of Waterloo to campaign for a candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives. Her name is Anesa Kajtazovich.

"Anesa immigrated to Iowa in 1997, after leaving war-torn Bosnia with her parents and two sisters. She became a citizen in 2004, just before turning age 18. She earned her B.A. degree from the University of Northern Iowa. In 2007, she was third runner-up for queen of the Iowa State Fair!

"And let me tell you, Anesa may be running for the Iowa House, this year. But, in the years ahead, the sky's the limit. And the same is true for all the new citizens in this courtroom!

"You know, it has always struck me that America is unique - we are unlike just about any other country I can think of. Think about it: U.S. citizenship is not about ethnic identity, or color, or religion. In fact, American citizens include people of just about every ethnicity, color and creed on the face of the Earth.

"But we are one people. And what unites us as one people - what makes us Americans - is our shared belief in freedom, democracy, hard work, as well as the rights and dignity of every individual.

"And one more thing unites us: Our love for America as a very, very special place - truly, as our national anthem says, "the land of the free and the home of the brave."

"Of course, being a citizen is not only about rights. It's also about responsibilities. And, on that score, I want to make one request of you as new citizens. I want you to become active citizens. Democracy is not like baseball or basketball. It's not a spectator sport -- especially not here in Iowa, the home of the caucuses. If democracy is going to work, it requires the active engagement and participation of you and me.

"So I encourage you to read the newspapers and watch the news.

"I encourage you to take an active interest in politics and public affairs.

"I don't care if you choose to be a Democrat or Republican or, heck, the "tea party" or no party. But I do care that become interested, engaged, and involved.

"I want you to participate in the caucuses. I want you to vote. I want you to consider running for public office.

"These are your rights as new American citizens. But they are also your responsibilities as new American citizens.

"So let me close, my friends, by simply saying congratulations . . . and welcome home!"

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