July 17, 2019

By Brian MacQuarrie, Boston Globe

The bitter national debate over race and immigration, stoked by President Trump’s call that four Democratic congresswomen of color “go back” to other countries, seemed muted and distant Wednesday in a crowded hall overlooking Dorchester Bay.

Instead of discord, the scene at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum was one of joy, excitement, and anticipation as 197 men and women from a potpourri of countries became new US citizens in a simple, poignant ceremony.

“It’s my distinct privilege, my honor, to extend to each and every one of you the most sincere, warmest, genuine welcome,” US District Judge William Young said. “You have made America stronger, more diverse . . . more gentle, more humane, more American.”

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