I don't agree with the "superior humans" side of thing at all, but there are an awful lot of people at these ceremonies who didn't just up an decide to come to the US, but fled here due to serious problems in their home country, often of a political nature. They've spent a huge chunk of their lives just trying to get the right to stay here permanently. It sure feels like an honor, even if it only took you so long because of a broken immigration system, and even if the US has a lot of political problems of its own.
edit: For instance, the country my family is from denied us the ability to return or visit home for political reasons. It means a lot to you when you get a permanent, legal home again.