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Pelosi to Newest Americans: ‘You Exemplify What Our Great Nation is All About’

July 23, 2007

Pelosi to Newest Americans: ‘You Exemplify What Our Great Nation is All About’

Monday, July 23, 2007

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

San Francisco â€" On Saturday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi hosted a citizenship workshop in San Francisco, which provided free assistance to individuals who are eligible to apply for American citizenship. Below are her opening remarks:

â€Å"Good morning, and welcome to our Second Annual District Citizenship Workshop. This event is about lending a hand to those who seek to become part of the beautiful mosaic that is America. I am honored to be a part of it.

â€Å"Those here today â€" who will become the newest Americans â€" exemplify what our great nation is all about. You have brought your hopes and dreams to a land where hopes and dreams can come true. I am proud to help you on your way to becoming American citizens.

â€Å"Your participation is part of a historic wave in citizenship registration. Applications for citizenship are up 60 percent over the same period last year, according to a recent story in The Los Angeles Times. That is a reflection of the fact that hard-working immigrants continue to look to America for greater freedom and new opportunities.

â€Å"This event provides a clear contrast between our vision of the future and that of Republicans in Washington.

â€Å"While Democrats support bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform that will keep America safe and unite families, Republicans resorted to obstruction. In contrast, Democrats will continue to move in a New Direction with strong border security, effective law enforcement, comprehensive immigration reform, and the full implementation of the 9/11 Commission recommendations.

â€Å"Today’s event makes clear that America gains strength from its newest citizens and comprehensive immigration reform will ensure that America keeps growing stronger.”