January 10, 2012
Many Americans have never had to take an oath or pledge commitment to our country, and may not immediately recognize all the inherent responsibilities that lie therein. That’s why for the last three years, NCoC has conducted a naturalization ceremony in conjunction with our annual National Conference on Citizenship.
We feel this ceremony provides all participants, regardless of natural-born or naturalized citizenship status, the opportunity to recommit themselves in service and dedication to our country.
In conjunction with the ceremony at the 2011 conference, NCoC hosted a discussion with Jose Antonio Vargas, a self-defined “undocumented American” and founder of the “Define American” campaign. Jose, an award-winning journalist, was sent to the United States by his parents as a young boy. He did not find out until high school that he was living in our country illegally. Now an adult and a journalism professional, Jose chronicled his story in the New York Magazine ~1@BODYURL[id=114kcurl512]@ “My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant.”
At the Conference, Jose discussed his story, his struggles, and the need for open, respectful conversation on difficult and sometimes polarizing issues, such as immigration. A full video of the moderated discussion between Jose and Eric is available ~1@BODYURL[id=114kcurl514]@
During the discussion, moderator Eric Liu asked “What if … we scrapped birthright citizenship for everybody? What if everybody had to do something to earn it? How would people have to contribute—have to live—in order to get something you don’t get just by being born here?”
It’s an important question– how would you answer? Watch the clip above to see how Jose defines “American.” Then, we want to hear from you…
If American citizenship were not granted to you as a birthright, what would you be willing to do to earn it?