05/26/2025
🇺🇸 On Memorial Day, The Sacrifice of Immigrants Cannot Be Denied. 🇺🇸
Today, we honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion to defend this country. And among them are the quiet heroes—immigrants—who fought and died not just in America, but for America. Immigrants do not weaken America; they define and reinforce its greatness.
From Silicon Valley’s tech pioneers to the farmworkers feeding our families, immigrants have always been the lifeblood of our progress. They boost economic growth, create jobs, and pay billions in taxes. But their contributions go beyond economics. They embody the values we hold dear: perseverance, hope, and an unshakable belief in the promise of democracy.
When this nation calls, immigrants answer. They defend it too.
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During World War I, around 500,000 immigrants served in the military—approximately 18 percent of all soldiers. After the war, 192,000 veterans were awarded citizenship.
Foreign-born soldiers have continued to serve in significant numbers since World War II. Over 300,000 immigrants served in the armed forces during the Second World War, 109,000 of whom were noncitizens. Over 100,000 noncitizens that served in the armed forces during that period would receive naturalization for their service.
During the Korean War, 31,000 foreign-born soldiers would become naturalized citizens. In 2016, there were approximately 511,000 foreign-born veterans of the armed forces residing in the United States, representing three percent of the total veteran population of 18.8 million. And of the remainder, 1.5 million veterans had at least one parent that was an immigrant.(Bipartisan Policy Center)
Immigrants make our communities stronger, our classrooms richer, and yes, our armed forces braver.
Two things can be true at once. Immigrants can love their native country and their adoptive country at the same time.
Today, as we lay wreaths and lower flags, let us remember that freedom isn’t free, and often, it’s defended by those still fighting for a chance to belong.
In the photo: 🕊️ Lance Cpl. José Antonio Gutierrez
Born in Guatemala, Jose was orphaned as a child and made a dangerous journey to the U.S. as a teenager. He became a legal resident and enlisted in the Marines. On March 21, 2003, he was one of the first U.S. casualties in the Iraq War. He died before he ever became a U.S. citizen—he was granted citizenship posthumously (CNN)
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