When I was a kid, it wasn’t even in the realm of imagination for the President to acknowledge Lunar New Year to the U.S. citizens who celebrate it. How things have changed!
Today, the White House released a video message from President Obama welcoming in the Lunar New Year.
Below is the transcript:
Michelle and I join millions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent – here in the United States and around the world – in welcoming the Lunar New Year.
The Lunar New Year reminds us that this country has always drawn strength from the rich cultures and traditions of people from all different backgrounds. It’s at the heart of who we are. It’s why we’re fighting to make sure everyone has a chance to get ahead. And it’s why we’ll continue to make sure that new ideas and new people are always welcome in America.
Today, my Administration is working harder than ever to fix an immigration system that doesn’t serve America as well as it should. We’re committed to a comprehensive plan that will continue to strengthen border security and reunite families, while creating a pathway to earned citizenship and a stronger system moving forward. We’ve already taken an important step by lifting the fear of deportation from young people, DREAMers, who are Americans in every way but on paper – kids who just want a chance to study and serve and contribute to the nation they love. And if you’re a young person who feels like you’re living in the shadows, take advantage of this opportunity. Because America needs your talent.
It’s the aspiration and optimism of the next generation of New Americans that inspires us – and gives us hope for this Year of the Horse. So, I want to wish everyone celebrating a Happy New Year. May this be a year of prosperity for you and your families, and a year of progress for this country that we love.
