Welcome Legal Immigrants As New Citizens

Last week, state Senator John Sabini welcomed 50 senior citizens into new lives as full-fledged Americans. The 50 are a diverse group that came to the United States from countries all over the world.

Many in the group came to this country some years ago. They became citizens now, after reaching retirement age, because when they first arrived- legally- they immediately entered into the serious business of making a living for themselves and their families. Some worked two, perhaps even three jobs to be able to pay rent, put food on the table and clothes on their and their children's backs. They sent those children to school - an opportunity many would never have had in the "old country"- and encouraged them to become productive, loyal American citizens. Finally, at the end of their working lives when they at last had some time to devote to their own needs and wishes, they realized a dream they had put on hold for many years and became American citizens.

It is worthy of note that the 50 new citizens whom Sabini welcomed at the Elmhurst-Jackson Heights Senior Center, did all the things that loyal Americans do, although until they took their Oath of Citizenship, could not vote or engage in some other activities. Now that they have earned the privilege of citizenship, we are sure they will accept its responsibilities as well. It is, we think, safe to assume that many, if not all, of the new citizens have registered to vote.

It is also worthy of note that the 50 entered into their new lives in America by entering this country legally. Though they were not yet citizens and would not be for many years, they demonstrated their allegiance to their new homeland by obeying its laws. Many sent some of the money they made in America back to the loved ones they had left behind, sometimes to help bring other family members here to start new lives as legal immigrants and prospective citizens. Such is the history of the great majority of American citizens, going back, in some cases, for many generations. Those who come here in accordance with the law of the land, live honest and upright lives and seek to join this family with many members of divergent histories and background united in the common bond of citizenship in the United States of America have always been welcome.

We salute the 50 newest members of the American family.