Mr. Speaker. I rise today to applaud the House in its decision to take up House Joint Resolution 220. legislation which would recognize our Nations rich ethnic. immigrant heritage. Last year. National Immigrants Day fell on the Fourth of July. coinciding with the relighting of the Statue of Libertys torch. The Mother of Exiles is famous the world over as a symbol of freedom. hope. and opportunity for all who have come and who continue to come to America. This year. the bill sets aside October 28. 1987. as National Immigrants Daythe same date Lady Liberty began welcoming the peoples of the world to our shores 101 years ago. America is a Nation of many peoples. Our history cannot be separated from mentioning 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. Mr. Speaker. that legacy is alive and well today. Refugees escaping fear and persecution for their religious and political beliefs continue to regard America as a beacon of hope and a land in which they can secure a better way of life for themselves and their families. The immigrants of today. like those of old. have instilled a vibrancy and dynamism in our Nationthe many small shopkeepers we see all around us in the Washington area who are willing to work long hours for the promise of success are a stirring testimony to this truth. 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 all the world of what a country can accomplish when peoples of all backgrounds and heritages are able to pursue their dreams and aspirations freely.
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immigrant Refugees immigrants Immigrants