[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE COALITION OF INDIAN ORGANIZATIONS OF NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate India on its 
50th year of Independence and to salute the Coalition of Indian 
Organizations of New Jersey as it marks the occasion with a celebration 
at the Brookdale Park Stadium in Essex County on August 23, 1997.
  The Indian-American community has been an exemplary community in New 
Jersey. I have been working with them since my years as mayor of my 
hometown, Union City. The Indian-Americans boasts the highest median 
income and highest proportion of college graduates of any immigrant 
group in the United States. They have contributed much to our cultural, 
economic, and social life in America. In New Jersey I have seen the 
contributions Indian-Americans make as businessmen, doctors, engineers, 
lawyers, surgeons, and scientists. They brought with them a hard work 
ethnic and family values that benefit our society.
  I have the honor of being one of the founding members of the 
Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans. As an executive 
committee member of the caucus, I have been vigilant on issues of 
concern to the Indian-American community. I fought to change the 
provisions of the welfare law which targeted the legal immigrant 
community, and I am pleased we were able to make immigrants who were in 
our Nation as of August 22, 1996 eligible for Supplemental Security 
Income no matter when they become disabled.
  India won its independence from England at midnight on August 15, 
1947. This was the culmination of years of effort led by Mohandas K. 
Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Azad, and 
countless others. They fought peacefully against British colonial rule. 
The Indian-American community in America has taken the best of this 
tradition.
  America's relationship with India has grown due to the efforts of the 
Indian-American community. I understand the importance of cultivating 
economic, political, and strategic ties with India. As links between 
our Nation and India expand, Indian-Americans will need to continue to 
promote the relationship.
  It is an honor to have such a productive and vibrant community 
residing in my home State of New Jersey. I ask that my colleagues join 
me in honoring the 50th anniversary of India's Independence and the 
Coalition of Indian Organizations of New Jersey.

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