Building a More Perfect Union

Each Fourth of July, we celebrate America’s independence—the day a new nation declared its right to liberty, justice, and self-governance. But the promise of that day was never meant to be the end of a story; it was the beginning of an ongoing journey to build, in the words of the Constitution, “a more perfect Union.” And from the very start, legally-arrived immigrants have played a vital role in shaping that journey.

For generations, immigrants have come to the United States in search of freedom, opportunity, and safety. But they have also brought with them something just as important: the willingness to contribute. Whether by working in factories, founding businesses, joining the military, serving in public office, or advocating for civil rights, immigrants have helped build the institutions and values that define this country.

Their stories are woven into every chapter of American progress. In the 19th century, Irish and Chinese immigrants laid the tracks for the transcontinental railroad. In the 20th century, refugees from war and persecution revitalized neighborhoods and industries. Today, legally-arrived immigrants are scientists, doctors, teachers, and essential workers—many of whom risked their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the nation running. These contributions are not only economic—they are civic and cultural. Immigrants enrich the American identity and constantly remind us that belonging is not a matter of birthplace, but of shared purpose.

This work continues. The United States is not a finished project—it is a promise renewed by each generation. On this Independence Day, we honor not just the founders of 1776, but all those who have kept their vision alive by building communities, defending freedoms, and striving for justice.

To build a more perfect union, we must recognize the immigrant journey as a central part of the American story. It is not just about coming to America—it is about a commitment to building America’s future for all.