[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10625]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE HISPANIC AMERICAN EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICE INC. AND 
    THE FATHER GARY GRAF CENTER FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT TO 
                ASSISTING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF CITIZENSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2014

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to honor two 
community organizations in the northern Illinois district I represent. 
Both groups assist with one of the most basic and most important 
functions of our democracy--the naturalization and integration of new 
citizens.
  The Hispanic American Education and Community Service Inc. (HACES) 
and the Father Gary Graf Center--both based in Waukegan--offer 
educational and support services to help new citizens, recent 
immigrants and their families fully integrate in their communities, 
become naturalized citizens and engage with our democracy.
  These extraordinary organizations and the dedicated people who make 
them special provide some of the most valuable and helpful services to 
immigrant families.
  HACES and the Fr. Gary Graf Center work together to deliver a broad 
spectrum of vital services to immigrant families and to ensure that our 
communities are engaged, thriving and inclusive.
  Witnessing a group of immigrants take the oath as citizens for the 
United States is an experience unlike any other. The first time I 
witnessed such a ceremony, I was deeply moved and inspired. In that 
unique moment, it is important to remember all of the work and all of 
the support that makes that possible.
  Today, I rise to recognize two great organizations that help enable 
the dreams of millions around the world.

                          ____________________