Mr. Speaker. it is with great pleasure on this St. Josephs Day that I. along with 67 original cosponsors. have introduced a resolution to designate October 28. 1987. as National Immigrants Day. Senator DECONCINI introduced a companion measure in the Senate Tuesday. Since October 28. 1886. the Statue of Liberty has welcomed immigrants to the shores of our country. The Mother of Exiles is famous the world over as a symbol of the freedom. hope. and opportunity to be found by all who come to America. It is for this reason that I have chosen her anniversary this year as a time to honor our Nations immigrants. Last year. National Immigrants Day fell on the Fourth of July. coinciding with the relighting of the Statue of Libertys torch. Independence day was all the more special in 1986 as America celebrated its freedom and paid tribute to its immigrants on the same day. America is a nation of many peoples. Our history cannot be discussed apart from mention of those who have come to our country from abroad. Americas first immigrants. those colonists who settled Jamestown. VA. reflect the spirit of all immigrants. Those brave colonists came to a strange. unknown land in order to live and worship freely. And while they were not prepared for the often harsh conditions which greeted them. they persevered. and with hard work and determination created a legacy for all who have followed. From all walks of life and from every geographical area of our country. immigrants for centuries have been a vital component of Americas growth and development. As a nation of immigrants we are an example to the world of a country in which people of all backgrounds and heritages are able to pursue their dreams and aspirations freely. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring our immigrants by cosponsoring this joint resolution. The text of the resolution follows:
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