As we celebrated America’s birthday, it was heartwarming to hear so many proud immigrant stories televised with pride during the national celebrations.

We are a nation of immigrants, whose stories of freedom and liberty spread throughout the world. For generations, those who came to America came to be Americans. They left their history, their language and their flags behind to live in the new country they would pledge allegiance to.

My joy filled heart quickly sank when I stepped out in my own back yard, to our own BBQ celebration of our nation, and heard Mexican mariachi music blaring through the neighborhood, overshadowed by several people speaking Spanish, where the only word I understood was “Americanos.” I can only imagine the rest but what they should be calling us are stupid.

My ancestors crossed the ocean, leaving behind the horrors of communism, with nothing but hope. They came here legally, respected our laws, our flag and happily learned English. They wanted to be Americans. Since Obama is illegally handing out amnesty like candy, again telling ICE to disobey the courts and laws, the same day another illegal criminal murdered another U.S. citizen.

We are still a sovereign country, and never before had so much of the world against us. With our borders open to anyone who can walk, run, ride or buy passage and Mideast “refugees” enter unvetted daily -- it is vital to know who is coming to America and why (the Boston bombers “claimed” this too!).

As America, it is our right and our duty to approve every entrant, and demand they will assimilate and claim loyalty to us. They must want to be American – not change it. We need to reclaim our motto of “America: Love it or Leave it!”