Americas richness. in terns of its technology. economy. political structure and spirit. ual strength. would not exist. As cochairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. I am constantly reminded of the fact that the millions of immigrants who come to our shores and make a new life for themselves do so out of the desire for freedom and op. portunitydesires which are stifled in a number of countries. llere their cultural heritage can flourish. The 1980 census Identiffed the foreign ancestry of more than 188 million Americans. This is approximately 83 percent of our population. Indeed. the United States is a nation of immigrants. In my home State of Maryland more than 2 million citizens claim the heritage of a single ethnic group. and yet. equal to a pride In their heritage is their love for America. A day set aside in recognition and appre. ciation of this great body of peoplepeople who to a large degree make up the very essence of this countrywould display to all at home and abroad a pride in our many heritages. a passion for the freedom upon which our Government rests. and an aware. ness that the strength of our national unity lies at least in part on our cultural heritage and diversity.
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immigrants