Obama Tells New U.S. Citizens ‘Immigration Makes Us Stronger’

President Barack Obama delivers remarks during a naturalization ceremony Monday at the White House.

By Jorge Rivas Mar 25, 2013

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

At a naturalization ceremony Monday at the White House President Obama personally congratulated twenty-eight new U.S. Citizens. The President also used the platform to challenge congress to "finish the job" of finalizing legislation that would create immigration reform.

"Immigration makes us stronger, keeps us vibrant, hungry, keeps us prosperous," Obama said. "It is part of what makes this such a dynamic country. If we want to keep attracting the best and brightest the world has to offer, we need to do a better job of welcoming them. We’ve known for years our immigration system is broken, that we’re not doing enough to harness the talent and ingenuity of those that want to work hard and find a place here in america, and after avoiding the problem for years, the time has come to fix it once and for all. The time has come for a comprehensive, sensible immigration reform."

Twenty-eight new American citizens, including 13 members of the military, were recognized at the ceremony.

The Associated Press reports Obama has called April as the month that will host immigration bill debates.