Every year on September 17th, Citizenship Day and Constitution Day remind us of the values that define the United States as a nation. This day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and honors those who have become American citizens, reaffirming our national principles of liberty, justice, and democracy.
The United States was founded by immigrants, and throughout its history, immigrants have continued to dominate its cultural, social, and economic fabric. But, not all who live in the U.S. are, or are descended from, immigrants. The native people who already occupied this continent when white settlers first arrived are the true stewards of this land, and many descendants of those who were forcibly displaced continue their cultural traditions and fight to protect their heritage and identity. Additionally, the ancestors of many Americans were forcibly brought here as enslaved people, and these communities too have made and continue to make contributions without which we as a nation would not be who we are today. We cannot talk about citizenship and the people that make up what is now called the United States without acknowledging the injustices, past and present, inflicted upon marginalized groups, and the truth that this nation was built on the backs of those whose voices were ignored or silenced when decisions were being made. Let us take this opportunity to recognize the importance of uplifting EVERY U.S. citizen today.
Citizenship Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of immigrants who, by choosing to become U.S. citizens, embrace the values enshrined in the Constitution. These individuals strengthen our nation’s diversity and make it more vibrant and culturally rich.
However, beginning with the Immigration Act of 1924, which limited the number of immigrants allowed entry into the U.S. through a national origins quota, we have seen a disturbing rise in xenophobia towards immigrants. This act laid the groundwork for exclusionary policies that were designed to preserve a perceived cultural homogeneity, disproportionately limiting immigration from countries outside Western Europe. Over the years, this xenophobia has ebbed and flowed, often spurred by economic anxieties, political unrest, or fears of cultural change. Today, the rhetoric of exclusion has found new platforms, perpetuating harmful narratives about immigrants.
As highlighted in a recent article from LA Progressive, the recurring problem of xenophobia is not new to America. Despite the nation’s immigrant roots, there has been a long-standing tension between the ideals of inclusivity and the fear of “the other”. This fear has manifested itself in modern politics, particularly in immigration debates, as seen in efforts to pass restrictive border policies. A letter signed by over 80 organizations, including MIRA, addresses this issue directly. The letter calls on the Biden-Harris administration to reject harmful Senate border legislation that threatens the safety and dignity of immigrant communities. The organizations pledged to organize against these harmful policies now and in the future .
To truly uphold the spirit of Citizenship Day and the Constitution, we must take this harmful rhetoric seriously. Anti-immigrant xenophobia, which began to solidify as an unfortunate American tradition in 1924, threatens the values of inclusivity and justice that form the core of our democracy. Recently political figures have been spreading outrageous and untrue information about our immigrant communities that is not only misleading, but also hurtful and insulting. We must respond to incidents like this immediately and decisively to demonstrate both our refusal to accept this sort of behavior and our support of the immigrant communities being targeted.
As we celebrate the richness that immigrants bring to this nation, we must also commit to ending divisive narratives and exclusionary policies. Only by doing so can we ensure that America continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for all, honoring the identities and heritage of all its people and the diversity that defines its strength.
* Reminder for people who become citizens between the deadline for voter registration and the elections : Individuals who are naturalized after the registration deadline but before the election can still register to vote! If you became a U.S. citizen after the voter registration deadline, you can register to vote in person at your local election office until 4 p.m. on the day before the election. Make sure you bring proof that your naturalization ceremony took place after the voter registration deadline.