Hope is an important commodity these days, and it often gets derided as fanciful. Yet, it is hope that stirs efforts to attain goals.
As scientist and inventor George Washington Carver once said, “Where there is no vision, there is no hope.”
Hopes were clearly present in a naturalization ceremony last week on the eve of the United States of America’s 248th birthday. Ninety-eight new Americans, including some from Terre Haute, took the oath of citizenship at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential site in Indianapolis. U.S. Senior Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided.
She emphasized the responsibilities that come with citizenship and explained the unalienable rights entailed in the Declaration of Independence — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Barker also acknowledged this time in history when social issues related to immigration are a source of political unrest.
“You are becoming a U.S. citizen at a time we are unworthy of you,” Barker said to the gathering of people who came to this country from dozens of other nations, according to a Statehouse File report. They donned newly acquired American flags while listening to the judge’s address.
As one new citizen said, “I am very proud to pursue everything this country has given
us.” Likewise, this nation of immigrants and the state of Indiana benefit from newcomers.
Nationwide, 13.8% of U.S. residents are foreign-born. More than half are naturalized citizens. Immigrants account for 22.6% of entrepreneurs; 23.1% of workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs; and 15.6% of nurses, according to statistics from the nonprofit, nonpartisan American Immigration Council.
Indiana has a far smaller share of immigrant residents than the nation as a whole, with just 6.2% of the population — 422,600 people — being foreign-born. Still, immigrants comprise 7.9% of the state’s labor force, 9.6% of its entrepreneurs, 13.5% of STEM workers and 19% of post-secondary teachers. They contribute $4.3 billion in taxes and inject $12.3 billion into the Indiana economy.
Of course, the most contentious element of immigration centers on the nation’s undocumented immigrants. The inability of Congress to substantively enact modern, fair, humane and accountable federal law on that issue — primarily because it can be used as a political party’s campaign tool — stands as a prime failure. But the potential exists for the United States of America to wisely handle its status as a nation seen as a place of opportunity by people worldwide, and to thrive because of it.
The sacrifices, dedication and hardships endured by the 98 people taking the oath of citizenship on July 3 in Indianapolis represent the country’s future potential.
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