Each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomes approximately 700,000 to 750,000 citizens during naturalization ceremonies across the United States and around the world. There’s a fear that the current administration’s extreme vetting will prevent people from becoming citizens. I took the oath of allegiance and became a U.S. citizen among nearly 1000 immigrants from 89 countries on January 10. The top countries represented were Somalia, Burma, Mexico, Ethiopia, Laos, and Vietnam. I was extremely honored to stand proudly among so many hard-working people that day, knowing what it takes to be in that room. Bravery, hard work, and perseverance are just the most basic ingredients of an immigrant’s life.