By Marking a symbolic moment for new Americans, the White House on Wednesday released a personal letter from President Donald Trump to immigrants completing the naturalization process. The message, which will now accompany citizenship ceremonies across the country, stresses both the privileges and obligations that come with the oath of allegiance.
The announcement coincided with Constitution Day, the 238th anniversary of the document’s signing in 1787. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin distributing the letter this week, framing it as a celebration of entry into the American fold and a reminder of the nation’s core principles.
In the letter, Trump greets new citizens by casting their oath as “a sacred bond with our Nation, her traditions, her history, her culture and her values.” He writes that America has long welcomed those who “embrace our values, assimilate into our society and pledge allegiance to our country,” before declaring that the nation’s heritage now belongs to them. “This rich heritage is now yours to protect, promote and pass down to the next generation. Our history is now your history. Our customs are now your customs. And our Constitution is now yours to safeguard, honor and Respect.”
PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP WRITES LETTER TO SEND TO AMERICA’S NEWEST CITIZENS 🇺🇸🦅
“This rich heritage is now yours to protect, promote and pass down to the next generation. Our history is now your history… And our Constitution is now yours to safeguard, honor and respect.” pic.twitter.com/XntqCtZ6p9
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 17, 2025
Even some of Trump’s fiercest critics supported the new letter.
This is actually quite good. https://t.co/3BhqVudLYs
— Eric Cunningham (@decunningham2) September 17, 2025
The president portrays the United States as a single family under God, telling the recipients: “The United States is now your homeland, and you stand as a part of one Nation under God. You have pledged your heart to America—and in return, she offers the boundless promise of freedom and opportunity.” He concludes with a benediction: “On behalf of my Administration and the American people, congratulations on becoming a citizen of our great and glorious Nation… Congratulations and welcome. May God bless you, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.”
The rollout comes as the administration pursues an aggressive immigration agenda, writes Newsweek. Trump has tied his second term closely to border security and legal entry channels, saying in January, “I’m fine with legal immigration… We need people and I’m absolutely fine with it – we want to have it.” At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stepped up enforcement against those who entered illegally, a campaign that has drawn protests in several cities. Officials defend the measures as a matter of law and safety.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News that citizenship “a sacred trust” requiring genuine commitment. “To be an American citizen is to commit yourself to upholding our values, culture, and Constitution,” she said. USCIS has revised its naturalization exam and reintroduced community-based reviews, steps the agency says ensure applicants are fully prepared and eligible.
Alongside the letter, a prerecorded presidential address will now play at ceremonies nationwide. In it, Trump calls citizenship a “sacred honor” and “the highest responsibility,” urging new Americans to honor their shared legacy. “No matter where you come from, you now share a home and a heritage with some of the most exceptional heroes, legends and patriots to ever walk the face of the Earth,” he says.
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser praised the additions. “President Trump’s message to new citizens is an essential one, and USCIS is honored to make it part of our naturalization ceremonies moving forward,” he said. “U.S. citizenship is a privilege and reserved for those who respect our laws, culture and history.”
Each week thousands of people swear the oath of allegiance at USCIS-led events. With Trump’s letter and address now part of the proceedings, the administration has woven its vision of citizenship into the ceremonies themselves: a gift of belonging paired with the duty to preserve the nation’s heritage.
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