[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 58 (Wednesday, March 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          MS. ARCADIA XOCHIHUA

                                 ______


                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 1995
  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Arcadia 
Xochihua, a resident of my district. Ms. Xochihua will become a U.S. 
citizen on Friday, March 31, 1995, at the age of 96. She will be the 
first person in San Jose and perhaps in the Nation to be naturalized 
under the new Immigration and Naturalization Service [INS] regulations 
easing the process for the elderly.
  Mr. Speaker, let me tell you about Ms. Xochihua. She was born on 
January 12, 1899, and immigrated from Mexico to the United States in 
1923 at the age of 24. She has worked her entire life from processing 
fruit and vegetables in a cannery to owning and operating several 
restaurants in the area.
  Ms. Xochihua has always been a vital part of the community. During 
the Depression and World War II, she helped people who were less 
fortunate than herself. During the Depression, she operated a small 
soup kitchen out of her house for those who needed a hot meal. She also 
provided clothes for women and children. Until about 3 years ago, she 
continued to provide room and board for destitute migrant farmworkers.
  Though Ms. Xochihua never married and does not have children of her 
own, she is surrounded by her sisters and brothers who have provided 
her with many nieces and nephews.
  Ms. Xochihua decided this year, on her 96th birthday, that it was 
important to her to become an American citizen. She has always been 
patriotic and loyal to her adopted country and wants to be called an 
American.
  Mr. Speaker, the month of March has been dedicated to the late labor 
and human rights leader, Mr. Cesar Chavez and March 31 is Mr. Chavez's 
birthday. It would be a fitting tribute to his dedication to social 
justice for all that Ms. Xochihua becomes a citizen of the United 
States of America on his birthday. I commend and applaud Ms. Xochihua 
for her loyalty and her commitment to our country and congratulate her 
on new citizenship.


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