By David Jackson, USA TODAY
President Obama welcomed 25 new citizens to the United States
today by saying that "immigration makes America stronger" and more
prosperous.
"Immigration positions America to lead in the 21st
century," Obama said at a White House citizenship ceremony for 25
members of the U.S. armed forces who were born in 17 other countries.
Immigration has become a major issue in the campaign battle between Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney.
Last
month, Obama instituted a new policy that stopped deportations of
children of illegal immigrants, especially those who are seeking college
educations of joining the military.
The president is also seeking
"comprehensive immigration reform," which includes tighter border
enforcement as well as a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants
already in the U.S.
Many Republicans say the emphasis should be on
order security, likening the pathway to citizenship to amnesty for
illegal immigrants.
During today's ceremony, Obama said: "Unless
you are one of the first Americans, a native American, we are all
descended from folks who came from somewhere else. The story of
immigrants in America isn't a story of them. It's a story of us."