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Immigration Agency Takes 'Nation Of Immigrants' From Mission Statement

A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services official said the new statement reflects USCIS' guiding principles.
Posted at 7:42 AM, Feb 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-23 07:42:14-05

The U.S. is no longer a "nation of immigrants" — at least according to the federal agency in charge of granting citizenship.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services took that language out of its mission statement. The agency reportedly shared a new statement with employees Thursday.

The statement originally read, "USCIS secures America's promise as a nation of immigrants." Now, it emphasizes USCIS "administers the nation's lawful immigration system." 

An agency official told CNN the new language reflects USCIS' guiding principles and — again, borrowing from the new mission statement — focuses on "protecting American workers and safeguarding the homeland."

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.