Obama salutes new Americans: 25 active duty service members

 WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama marked the Fourth of July by welcoming two dozen U.S. service members as newly-sworn American citizens.

 “Immigration makes America stronger,” Obama said. “Immigration makes us more prosperous. Immigration positions America to lead in the 21st century.”

 The 25 active duty U.S. service members who became citizens Wednesday hailed from 17 different countries, including Mexico, Nigeria and Russia.

 In front of an audience of family and friends, the service members were administered the oath of allegiance by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano in the East Room of the White House.

 Obama said the varied backgrounds of those taking the oath typified America’s long tradition of welcoming immigrants from around the world to its shores.

Associated Press