Mount Rushmore once again served as a powerful backdrop for American unity when a naturalization ceremony welcomed a large group of new citizens on Flag Day, a stirring reminder that freedom and patriotism still draw people from around the world. The National Park Service and local media reported that the ceremony, held amid the monument’s carved giants, brought more than a hundred and fifty people — representing scores of countries — into the American family. Watching these men and women take the oath was a moment that demanded respect from every patriot who believes in the promise of our nation.
Fox News host Lara Trump took the opportunity to speak with several soon-to-be citizens ahead of the ceremony, asking why they love the United States and what they plan to contribute as Americans. Her interviews — fittingly aired on her program that highlights stories of those who cherish this country — showcased immigrants who embraced our history, values, and responsibilities instead of treating citizenship as a mere paperwork checkbox. It was refreshing to see mainstream media give real air to heartfelt gratitude rather than the usual partisan narratives.
This kind of ceremony underscores a simple conservative truth: legal immigration and assimilation strengthen America when newcomers commit to our civic creed. Naturalization ceremonies are not just bureaucratic events, they are solemn pledges to uphold the Constitution, obey the law, and contribute to the common good — values that sustain liberty and prosperity for all. When newcomers arrive willing to take that oath seriously, communities benefit and the American experiment is renewed.
At the same time, patriotic Americans have every right to insist on an orderly, lawful immigration system that rewards merit, respects the rule of law, and secures our borders. Celebrating naturalized citizens who followed the lawful path does not mean turning a blind eye to the chaos at our borders or the unchecked flows that strain schools, hospitals, and local budgets. If we want more scenes like Mount Rushmore’s amphitheater — filled with proud citizens swearing an oath to this republic — policy must favor those who come here legally and commit to becoming Americans.
Reports noted that those sworn in represented a wide array of homelands, with attendees coming from dozens of countries and bringing diverse stories, including significant numbers from nations like Bhutan among others. Each new citizen’s background is a reminder that the United States is still a beacon, but also that our civic identity depends on shared values rather than unchecked multicultural fragmentation. The right kind of immigration is an infusion of ambition and gratitude, not a replacement of what binds us.
Community organizers and the National Park Service have long partnered with USCIS to hold naturalization ceremonies at historic national sites because those locations give extra weight to the oath and the responsibilities that follow. Invitations to register to vote and to participate in local life after the ceremony are appropriate next steps for citizens committed to making their voices count within our constitutional framework. If policymakers want assimilation instead of alienation, they should support programs and requirements that encourage civic literacy, English proficiency, and an appreciation for American institutions.
The image of Mount Rushmore — four presidents carved in stone — watching over newly sworn Americans should remind every leader why citizenship matters and why the country’s culture and laws deserve defense. To the newcomers who raised their right hands and pledged allegiance: welcome, but remember that freedom comes with duty. To the elites who posture without guarding our borders or enforcing our laws: respect the process that made these moments possible or step aside and let those who value order and patriotism lead.
