Even in developing nations. such as Namibia. where the people had to walk for miles. and stand in line for hours under the broiling sun. to vote in a free election. voter participation rates are higher than the United States. The participation rate in the recent election in Namibia was over 90 percent. Today. 60 million Americans are not registered to vote. As democracy spreads across the world. throughout Eastern Europe. and indeed. even into the Soviet Union. we must make every effort to remove barriers to participation in our great democracy. If we are intent on remaining the shining beacon of freedom and democracy that has Inspired millions of immigrants to come to this land for over 200 years. then we must open the voting booth to every American. Mr. Chairman.
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immigrants