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Citizenship must be precious, not handed out like candy in a parade. We don't ride along and throw out citizenship like you do M&M's or Tootsie Rolls or whatever it is we're tossing out in our parades.

What makes America special is that people come here, assimilate and become American with all of the rights and responsibilities citizenship bestows.

Citizenship consists in the service of the country.

Every American deserves to live in freedom, to have his or her privacy respected and a chance to go as far as their ability and effort will take them - regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or economic circumstances.

As immigrants, we understand better than most that to be an American is a privilege that conveys not just rights but responsibilities.

Every good citizen makes his country's honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and is conscious that he gains protection while he gives it.

The test of good citizenship is loyalty to country.

Americans have been taught that their nation is civilized and humane. But, too often, U.S. actions have been uncivilized and inhumane.

The freedom to be an individual is the essence of America.

I fully recognize we need to improve the path to citizenship, just as we need to value the hard work of folks who become American citizens legally.