SIOUX CITY – U.S. Congressman Steve King today welcomed a group of new American citizens as they were sworn into citizenship during a naturalization ceremony. King participated in a ceremony where Judge O’Brien naturalized immigrants at the Sioux City federal courthouse.

King, an advocate of welcoming new immigrants to the American dream by helping them learn English and assimilate, congratulated the immigrants and discussed the responsibilities of citizenship.

Following are excerpts of King’s address:

“I believe that the decision you have made will impact your lives and the lives of others in ways that no one can possibly predict.

“One hundred years ago, my grandmother came by ship to the United States from Germany.  During the voyage, her sister Annie died.  It was years later that my family discovered that Annie had not been buried at sea, but that her body was sealed in a box and brought to the place of her destination, America. Her box was carried from the ship, which was docked near Ellis Island, New York, to her final resting place at Rock Branch Cemetery in Iowa.  Demonstrating their commitment to their adopted land, they expected all succeeding family members to be raised here.

“My grandmother raised six sons in Iowa.  Because of their respect for this country, and the freedom it represents, four of her sons returned to Germany to serve in the United States military during World War II.  They risked their lives fighting their mother’s homeland, whose leader embodied the very thing they fled; oppression. 

“The freedom and opportunity that was available and precious to every immigrant arriving to our shores back then remains the same today.  Every new United States citizen brings with them the expectation of free and prosperous new lives.  Your presence here enriches us as a nation. Each new United States citizen sacrifices the past for the hope of the American Dream.  Finding the American Dream depends on what each individual makes of his or her life. 

“When you experience the Statue of Liberty, a church service, a baseball game, or a political event, you also experience the common American belief in the importance of individual rights. I invite you to come to Washington, DC and gaze upon the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the many historical displays that reveal American history and the spirit of our Founding Fathers.  These are the things that define the American Dream and make this country great. 

“Recently I visited a wounded American soldier who had served in Iraq.  He said something that I will never forget.  He said that he would go back again because it was worth the sacrifice to see people be set free from tyranny. 

“The fact that each of you in this room made an individual choice to become an American citizen, motivates those of us who are citizens by birth to appreciate the blessings we enjoy.  Your example strengthens our resolve to stand together for the preservation of freedom. I encourage you to become informed about the important issues confronting us as Americans and exercise your right to vote.  This is one of the most important rights of an American citizen.  Your contribution to the election process will help strengthen our democracy. 

“Thank you for choosing America as your home.  May God bless you and may God continue to bless America.”