I rise today to pay tribute to the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association [AHEPA]. which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The AHEPA. whose mission is in part. "To promote good fellowship. and endow its members with a spirit of altruism. common understanding. mutual benevolence. and helpfulness to their fellow man." is an important organization with a strong chapter. district 10. located in my home State of Michigan. In 1922. the AHEPA was formed in response to antiimmigrant sentiments directed toward United States immigrants of Greek descent. The AHEPAs primary goal was to help newly arrived Greeks become United States citizens and to share in the civic life of our country. To do so. the AHEPA formed schools which taught English and the principles of American government to new immigrants. In the process. the AHEPA also hoped to educate all Americans about the significant heritage and contributions immigrants of Greek descent add to the American community. Today. the AHEPA is an international organization with chapters in Australia. the Bahamas. Canada. and Greece. as well as the United States.
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antiimmigrant immigrants