Some of the 4,000 immigrants who gathered in Los Angeles to take their U.S. citizenship oath let out a collective moan when they learned they were going to watch a videotaped message from President Donald Trump.
In his message, Trump welcomes citizens and tells them they should teach American values to others and “help newcomers assimilate to our way of life.”
For them, the president’s remarks welcoming them into the “American family” and urging them to help newcomers assimilate felt insincere after he previously ordered a travel ban, and referred to Mexican immigrants as rapists.
Others, however, appreciated Trump’s message of unity — especially at a time of political division.
Such messages are a key part of naturalization ceremonies. Former Presidents Obama and W. Bush also produced video messages for use during the events.
