President Obama welcomed 25 new citizens to the United States today by saying that "immigration makes America stronger" and more prosperous.

"Immigration positions America to lead in the 21st century," Obama said at a White House citizenship ceremony for 25 members of the U.S. armed forces who were born in 17 other countries.

Immigration has become a major issue in the campaign battle between Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

Last month, Obama instituted a new policy that stopped deportations of children of illegal immigrants, especially those who are seeking college educations or joining the military.

The president is also seeking "comprehensive immigration reform," which includes tighter border enforcement as well as a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the U.S.

Many Republicans say the emphasis should be on border security, likening the pathway to citizenship to amnesty for illegal immigrants.

During today's ceremony, Obama said: "Unless you are one of the first Americans, a native American, we are all descended from folks who came from somewhere else. The story of immigrants in America isn't a story of them. It's a story of us."

The White House put out a list of the new citizens.

From the Associated Press: