These immigrants who are now citizens and many still working toward it, are all appreciating this day. - - Donna Poisl
by Paul Takahashi/The Jersey Journal
Independence Day is not just any holiday for Oneyda Lopez, who became a U.S. citizen in 2007.
"I feel this is my country now," said Lopez, who emigrated from Honduras 18 years ago and now calls Union City home. "I'm so happy. ... I love this country."
Nearly 60,000 immigrants living in New Jersey were naturalized last year, and like Lopez, they are experiencing the 4th of July this year in a whole new light. For many, this milestone not only took them miles away from their origins -- it took a lot of motivation, too.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
This country was built by immigrants, it will continue to attract and need immigrants. Some people think there are enough people here now -- people have been saying this since the 1700s and it still is not true. They are needed to make up for our aging population and low birthrate. Immigrants often are entrepreneurs, creating jobs. We must help them become Americans and not just people who live here and think of themselves as visitors. When immigrants succeed here, the whole country benefits.
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