This measure also acknowledges the contribution of explorer Amerigo Vespucci in radically shifting human understanding of world geography. No longer was the globe thought to be divided only among Europe. Asia and Africa. This. in turn. inspired Martin Waldseemuller to adopt Vespuccis given name and to confer it on the newly charted Western Hemisphere. Mr. Speaker. this might be called the first act of immigration. It is important that we celebrate this historic occasion because "America" has come to symbolize much more than a name placed on a map half a millennium ago. For centuries. it has been seen by many as a promised land. where a new start offers endless possibilities.
Keywords matched
immigration