Speech #930001618

Mr. Speaker. in 1959 Harlan L. Woolwine became Director of the Baltimore district office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. In my 10 years in Congress. I have had numerous occasions to call on him and his staff for assistance with the immigration and citizenship problems of my constituents. In every instance. he has been most cooperative in exploring each aspect of our complex immigration laws to resolve the problems I bring to his attention. Very shortly. Mr. Woolwine will retire after 36 years with the Immigration Service. At the same time. Mr. Leon W. Lehem. now an Immigration examiner. will retire after 42/2 years of Federal service and Mrs. Ozelle Cannon will step down to private life with 30 years in the Federal Government to her credit. To lose the invaluable services of three people with the wealth of experience shared by these three will be a difficult burden for the Baltimore INS Office. but they have the example of dedication set by these people to encourage them. Mr. Woolwine began his Federal career in the Department of the Treasury in 1936. He became a border patrol officer and spent a great deal of time taking special training offered him to better himself within the Service. His rise through the ranks to Immigration Inspector. OfficerinCharge for the Virgin Islands. investigator. management analyst. and Director of the Baltimore District is a commendable record of continued achievement. Mr. Woolwine has served throughout the United Statesfrom the Virgin Islands to California. His career with the Immigration and Naturalization Service has touched many livesthose of his coworkers. those of citizens needing information and guidance. but above all those who have come to our country to reach a goal they highly prizeUnited States citizenship. His warmth. sympathy and understanding have meant much to these people. I join them in paying tribute to him.