WASHINGTON (AP). President Joe Biden demanded bipartisan action to provide a pathway for migrants to become citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the White House on Friday. He also celebrated the contributions of immigrants to the U.S.We need an immigration system which reflects our values while also upholding our laws. Biden stated that we can achieve both.President Biden stated that there should be a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants brought into the U.S. as children, and for those born in foreign countries who are temporarily protected due to conflict in their home country. Biden's remarks, however, did not mention the legislative proposal that he endorsed. It offers a wider option for immigrants to apply for legal status, and then seek citizenship.Biden and congressional Democrats drafted a major overhaul of immigration that included an eight year pathway to citizenship for approximately 11 million illegal immigrants. Republican lawmakers opposed the proposal and criticized the administration's inability to control the number of people trying to cross the southern border illegally.Immigration is a fundamental issue that affects national security and economic growth. Republican lawmakers who seek to restrict immigration argue that it will keep the U.S. secure and preserve jobs for native-born people. Many Democrats are associated with economists who believe that increased immigration would increase economic growth. This is despite falling fertility rates.Biden, however, stressed the importance of immigrants to the U.S. on Friday by noting that his family is from Ireland and the generations before him.He said that it was the dreams of immigrants such as you that made America possible. They continue to infuse new energy, vitality, and strength.Biden stated that the coronavirus pandemic in which immigrants saved lives as frontline workers and scientists, and the recent landing of the Mars rover by an immigrant team proved his point.The president recognized Sandra Lindsay on Friday as an Outstanding American by choice, a U.S. citizen. Citizenship and Immigration Services recognizes naturalized citizens. Lindsay is thought to have been the first American to receive COVID-19 vaccinations outside of a clinical trial. She is the director of critical care nursing at Northwell Healths Long island Jewish Medical Center in Queens.
