************************************************************** IFCSS Headquarters News Release No. 5009 July 13, 1993 ************************************************************** Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars (IFCSS) 733 15th Street, N.W., Suite 440, Washington, D.C.20005 Tel. (202)347-0017 Fax: (202)347-0018 Email: ifcss@wam.umd.edu Working with the Congress for Late Arrival ========================================== On July 12, 1993, Shi Heping (Vice President) and Liu Xiaozhu (transition team member of the HQ) had working lunch with the legislative assistants of Congressman Joe Barton and Senator Hank Brown. During the occasion, the issue of the late arriving dependents of CSPA was discussed, and request was made by the IFCSS for assisting them to solve their problems. Attached is the speech made by Ms. Michelle Chin, Legislative Assistant of Congressman Joe Barton, at the 5th Congress of IFCSS. President Xiao Geng, friends, and honored guests: Thank you for your kind invitation. I am pleased to join you today for the opening ceremonies of the 5th Annual Congress of the Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars. Congressman Barton asked that I convey his greetings and best wishes to you. He regrets that his schedule prevents him from being here today. This weekend, people across this Nation celebrate the birth of democracy. Two hundred and seventeen years ago 57 men from 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness..." Today, you embark on a new journey as an organization and as individuals. Through the provisions of the Chinese Student Protection Act, which Mr. Barton sponsored in the House, many of you are now eligible to apply for permanent residency, the first step towards becoming an American citizen. Although many of you may choose to remain citizens of your country, others may ultimately choose to become American citizens. Regardless of your decision, your presence in our country has already had a great impact on our society. By sharing your experiences with us, you have helped us achieve a greater appreciation for the freedom and liberty we have in this country. The strength of your character, your willingness to persevere in the face of adversity, your unwavering faith in democracy are an inspiration to all of us. On my lapel is a pin, which serves as a reminder of the many brave and courageous acts of you and your compatriots in China. I remember Wang Weilin's bold stand against the line of tanks in Tiananmen Square; I remember Ge Xun's courageous trip to Beijing Before Wang Juntao's trial. As I look across this great gathering, I am reminded of what Emma Goldman once said:"Idealists...foolish enough to throw caution to the winds...have advanced mankind and have enriched the world." To you, my friends and idealists, I say welcome. Welcome to America! This country is big enough for all of us. It's the land of the free, and the home of the brave. ********************************************************************* * IFCSS Headquarters Office * *-------------------------------------------------------------------* * President: Lin Changsheng Vice President: Shi Heping * *-------------------------------------------------------------------* * PBS-L is IFCSS's news distribution list for individuals. To sign * * on or off from the list, please send email to listserv@ifcss.org * * leave the subject line open and put in the mail body: * * (For signing on) sub PBS-L last name first name * * (For signing off) unsub PBS-L last name first name * * For more information about IFCSS, write to ifcss-info@ifcss.org * *********************************************************************