In 1886. France presented the statue to the United States as a gift symbolizing the close friendship between our two countries. For 99 years. the statue has welcomed millions of immigrants to our shores. Less than 1 mile away from the statue is Ellis Island where. from 1892 to 1954. 17 million immigrants first stood on American soil. Ellis Island was the Nations first. and largest. immigration station. If the statue has become known as "Lady Liberty." then Ellis Island is to be remembered as the gateway to America. One of the enduring characteristics of American society is its rich ethnic diversity. Over 100 million Americans are descended from those 17 million immigrants who came through Ellis Island and who saw the statue as a beacon of liberty welcoming them to these great shores. Yet despite our diversity. we share common values: a love of liberty. a keen sense of Justice. and the potential for great opportunity. We must not take for granted the ideals we cherish the most.
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immigration immigrants