I rise today to introduce legislation. the "Ellis Island Preservation Act." which will preserve the history and significance of Ellis Island for future generations. My bill will restrict the use of Federal funds and the disposition of Federal land for the commercial development of this island. Ellis Island served as the portal to freedom for more than 12 million immigrants seeking relief from political or religious persecution. or from the poverty in which they lived in their native country. Ellis Island. a 27acre speck which sits in New York Harbor less than 1 mile from the tip of Manhattan. operated as an immigration processing facility for more than 60 years beginning in 1892. It has been a part of the Statue of Liberty Montiment since 1965 and has been open to the public since 1976. In 1982. proposals were submitted to the U.S.
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immigration immigrants