Mr. Speaker. this resolution (H.J. Res. 613) will allow the naturalization of two persons from each State and territory at ceremonies for the rededication of the Statue of Liberty on July 3. 1986. Currently. the Immigration and Nationality Act limits participation in this special naturalization ceremony to only those who currently reside within the jurisdiction of the U.S. district court in this region. This resolution will waive this requirement to allow 2 residents from all 50 States and territories to participate in this Ellis Island naturalization ceremony for this years Fourth of July activities. This year. we will be celebrating the centennial of the Statue of Liberty. I am happy to be a part of this special event by supporting this legislation we are considering today. Many of us have ancestors whose first contact with America was Ellis Island. Undoubtedly. the Statue of Liberty must have been an overwhelming sight to these new immigrants as it continues to be to millions each year. As we celebrate this Fourth of July centennial of the Statue of Liberty. let us take this opportunity to remind ourselves of the great opportunities this country has given our ancestors and ultimately ourselves over the past 200 years. Let us also remember the great responsibility we have to our children in preserving the values this statue represents.
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naturalization Immigration immigrants