[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E57]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE UNITED STATES 
                   IMMIGRATION STATION, ANGEL ISLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2010

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, on January 21, 2010, we celebrate the 
100th Anniversary of the United States Immigration Station, Angel 
Island. This national historic landmark, designated as one of America's 
most endangered historic sites, served as a processing center for 
immigrants coming across the Pacific from 1910 to 1940. More than one 
million immigrants, including those from China, Japan, Korea, the 
Philippines, and Central and South America were processed at the 
station. This ``Ellis Island of the West,'' also known as ``The 
Guardian of the Western Gate,'' was designed to control the flow of 
immigration, especially from China. While many immigrants passed 
through, many were detained here for lengthy periods of time. Inscribed 
on the walls of the barracks are their voices of hope, fear and 
despair.
  The facility was used by the U.S. Army during World War II, then 
abandoned, and became part of the California State Park system in 1963. 
I was proud to have helped secure federal funding to rebuild the 
dilapidated barracks which enabled the facility to reopen to the public 
in February 2009. I will continue my commitment to restoring not just 
an historic landmark but a symbol of the struggles and courage of 
people from around the globe who look to America as the land of 
possibility.
  In addition to its unique history, Angel Island is a place of great 
beauty and breathtaking views. It is imperative that we as San 
Franciscans and Americans preserve and enhance what Angel Island 
represents culturally, educationally, recreationally and 
environmentally for present and future generations.

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