Garcia and the then Mayor Fred Kalisz of the City of New Bedford. and I have worked with Mr. Garcia on a number of occasions since then on matters of particular interest to the PortugueseAmerican Communities. At a time when we are talking about immigration. it is important to note that Mr. Garcia. like so many others who have been such important contributors to the life of Southeastern Massachusetts. is an immigrant who was born in the city of Sao Miguel. in the Azores. I note that he knew no English when he arrived here at the age of 11. and like the overwhelming majority of immigrants. strove to become proficient to the point where he is now a significant community leaderin English while of course retaining his facility in Portuguese. Mr. Speaker. the sort of civic activity that Femando Garcia exemplifies is a very important asset and I was pleased to read the excellent article about him in the Fall River Herald News. appropriately in the Business section since as the owner of Fall River Ford he is a significant leader in that segment of the life of his community. Mr. Speaker. as an example of the important positive contribution made by immigration to this country. I ask that the article from the Fall River Herald News about Fernando Garcia be printed here. [From the Herald News. Apr. 14. 2006]
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immigrant immigrants immigration