[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BHUTANESE REFUGEE COMMUNITY'S 
                       ARRIVAL IN ONONDAGA COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th 
anniversary of the Bhutanese refugee community's arrival in Onondaga 
County.
   The first members of our vibrant Bhutanese community arrived in 
Central New York in 2008, in the wake of intolerance and violence in 
Bhutan. Today, almost 3,000 Bhutanese people live in Central New York, 
where they serve as good neighbors, excellent students, and leaders of 
our community.
   Under the leadership of Jay Subedi, who serves as the President of 
the Bhutanese Community in Syracuse, the Bhutanese Community runs 
educational programs such as English as a Second Language and 
citizenship classes. The Bhutanese Community in Syracuse also offers 
Problem Solving programming in which volunteers assist members of the 
community in basic daily tasks such as applying for government 
assistance, making and changing doctor's appointments, and filling out 
different types of applications.
   On March 24th, the Bhutanese community organized a 10th anniversary 
celebration at Franklin Elementary School. As a testament to the 
organization's dedication to our community, it has also announced the 
creation of a blessing box, which will be filled with food every 
Saturday and used to provide for people of lower incomes.
   It is my honor to recognize the contributions of the Bhutanese 
community to Central New York over the past 10 years. The United States 
is a country that was founded by immigrants. Our success as a nation is 
directly tied to our acceptance of all nationalities, ethnicities, and 
cultures. I join our community in wishing all members of the Bhutanese 
community ``congratulations'' on 10 years of improving and enriching 
our community.

                          ____________________