President Donald Trump has unveiled a new video to be played at naturalization ceremonies, emphasizing that American culture is ‘yours to preserve’ and encouraging new citizens to uphold traditional values and constitutional rights. The video, obtained by Fox News Digital, is a direct message to immigrants, framing the United States as a nation that requires the protection of its unique way of life. This approach is aligned with Trump’s broader immigration policies, which have historically included a call for stricter border enforcement, stronger penalties for illegal immigration, and increased deportations.
In the video, Trump addresses new citizens, stating, ‘Today you receive the greatest gift ever granted by human hands: you become a citizen of the United States of America.’ He continues, ‘I welcome you into our national family. No matter where you come from, you now share a home and a heritage with some of the most exceptional heroes, legends and patriots to ever walk the face of the Earth.’ The video is set to be played at every naturalization ceremony nationwide, marking a potential shift in how the administration views and engages with new citizens.
This message is part of a broader shift in the administration’s approach to immigration, which has seen a notable increase in enforcement actions and the narrowing of legal pathways to permanent residency. These measures are designed to deter illegal immigration while also reinforcing the importance of the naturalization process for those who already meet the criteria for citizenship. The administration’s emphasis on traditional values and constitutional rights is seen as a continuation of Trump’s long-standing policies, echoing his views on immigration and the importance of American culture.
The introduction of this video reflects a change from the Biden administration’s approach, which framed naturalized citizens as part of America’s ‘idea’ rather than just legal residents. Trump’s stance on immigration represents a more restrictive and culturally centered view, which includes a call for legal immigrants to embrace and protect American values. This is in contrast to Biden’s message, which focused on the courage of immigrants and their belief in America’s potential, highlighting their contributions to society rather than their role in maintaining cultural norms.
The administration’s policies have also led to significant enforcement actions, such as the ICE raids in Los Angeles, which have resulted in protests and the deployment of the National Guard. These measures are seen as part of the administration’s broader strategy to enforce immigration laws and protect the nation’s sovereignty, as well as to deter further illegal immigration. The new video serves as a symbolic representation of this approach, emphasizing the importance of new citizens in preserving the American way of life.
The video’s release comes at a time when the administration is facing a high number of naturalizations, with over 800,000 individuals becoming U.S. citizens in 2024. This figure is significant given the administration’s increasingly hardline stances on immigration, which include stricter border controls and a reduced emphasis on legal pathways. The video is expected to play an important role in shaping the narrative around immigration and naturalization, reinforcing the administration’s values and the importance of citizenship in maintaining the country’s cultural and legal integrity.