This news was particularly troubling because of the continuing dispute between New York and New Jersey over these islands. After further discussions with Congressman FRANK GUARINI. who has been actively involved in the question of the ownership of these islands. we came to the conclusion that a symbolic citizenship ceremony on this important day must be a national celebration. We enlisted the invaluable support of House Judiciary Committee Chairman PETER RODINO. who has undertaken this project with us as a champion of immigration policy who understands the importance of this symbolic event. The result of this bipartisan cooperation is the development of this enabling legislation to create a national ceremony on Ellis Island. With the continued cooperation of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Interior Department. we are confident that this national celebration will become a reality. The regional ceremonies. including our State event in Morristown. will provide thousands of other new Americans with the opportunity to participate in this historic event. I am very hopeful that the remaining plans can be finalized in the coming weeks.
Keywords matched
Naturalization Immigration immigration