Today marks one year since I became a United States citizen. This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to truly be an American—not just in name, but as part of a shared identity and purpose that defines this exceptional nation.
President Ronald Reagan once said, “You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany, or Turkey, or Japan, but you cannot become a German, a Turk, or Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the earth, can come to live in America and become an American.” That statement captures the heart of what makes America unique—this is a nation where what matters more than where you’re from is the path you choose to take. I was born a Mexican, but I am now an American by choice—an American first.
This past year has been humbling. Becoming an American is about more than enjoying the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution; it’s about accepting the responsibility to uphold and defend those freedoms.
Citizenship is a call to action—a commitment to stand for the principles that make this country a beacon of hope for people around the world.
But what are these principles? Ask 100 immigrants, and you’ll hear many answers. Just as each of us defines the American Dream in our own way, we each have our own idea of what it means to be an American. Still, some values rise to the top. Among these are freedom, opportunity, and equality.
Freedom is the foundation of the American experiment. Millions throughout history have risked everything to live under its promise. Sometimes we take it for granted, and sometimes, we fear it because freedom is like a fire—it is necessary for warmth but can sometimes run out of control. Yet, to extinguish the fire of liberty out of fear of getting burned would mean cold nights without its warmth.
Opportunity is another cornerstone of America. It is the promise that no matter where you start, hard work and perseverance can take you far. As someone who once stood outside looking in, I deeply appreciate the opportunities this country offers. But opportunity isn’t just handed to you—it’s something you seize and work to preserve for others.
Then there’s equality. America is a nation that strives to treat all people equally. It’s not always perfect, but it is another guiding light. What stands out most to me is the fact that it doesn’t matter whether your heritage dates back to the Revolutionary War or like my son, who was born in Virginia last year, all are equal under the law.
America’s greatness lies in its openness to anyone willing to contribute to its future.
Its diversity is one of its strengths. Each new wave of immigrants brings unique perspectives, ideas, and energy to the table. But what unites us is not where we came from—it is our striving for something better. Americans are optimistic. We believe that through hard work we can do better than the generation before us.
While we should celebrate the richness of our cultural differences, the guiding light must always be the principles that define America. Ideals like liberty, opportunity, and equality are the foundation of our identity and the standards by which we move forward.
On this milestone, I’m filled with gratitude for the extraordinary gift of citizenship.
To be an American is to join a legacy of people who believe in the power of freedom and the potential of opportunity.
Every generation must choose to uphold what America stands for. We’re not perfect, but our strength lies in our shared commitment to be better. That’s what the American experiment is all about.
