This week of Independence Day, in small towns and big cities, immigrants from dozens of countries of origin have been raising their right hands for an oath of citizenship they've kept in their sights for months, even years, of studying the complex laws and traditions that comprise America.

Some will have knocked the test on the first round; others will have returned again and again in pursuit of the right to say "I'm here and I'm an American."

Congratulations to every new citizen in this week when the United States celebrates its birthday,

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