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2011 SESSION
WHEREAS, the United States of America is a nation of immigrants that was molded and shaped in the spirit of freedom, personal liberty, and representative governance that protects our rights through the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, America has long been and should remain a bright beacon of hope and opportunity, a shining place where we welcome new members to the American family so long as they abide by our laws; and
WHEREAS, our founders also built our nation on the principles of government by the consent of the governed, the right to possess private property, and a common American identity; and
WHEREAS, these foundational principles inform the very motto of our nation “E Pluribus Unum,” which means “out of many, one”; and
WHEREAS, this national motto recognizes that our national strength resides in a unity that embraces diverse backgrounds and traditions; and
WHEREAS, this same spirit of unity that guided our country through times of tranquility and tumult must remain strong in the face of challenges to the American way of life; and
WHEREAS, legal immigration strengthens our nation, is a source of strong law-abiding citizens, and is in keeping with the finest tradition of national assimilation; and
WHEREAS, legal immigrants who demonstrate hard work, civil responsibility, a commitment to learning English, and a sincere patriotic spirit for America will be fully prepared for well-deserved citizenship and the opportunity that it provides; and
WHEREAS, our sustained dedication to the principles of liberty and prosperity have attracted individuals and families, from all corners of the world, to legally seek residence in the Commonwealth of Virginia and aspire to create a better life for themselves and their families; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and honor legal immigrants who have chosen Virginia as their home and who have consistently respected and adhered to the laws of our nation and state while immigrating to the United States.