HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98-4712, by Representatives Lantz, Eickmeyer, Gardner, Romero, Koster, Mulliken, Honeyford, Dyer and Dunn

      WHEREAS, We are a state and nation of immigrants; and

      WHEREAS, The state of Washington is one of the most internationally trade-oriented states in the United States, benefiting heavily from the continuing ties that bind generations of immigrants to Washington with their native lands; and

      WHEREAS, Washington immigrants and their contributions, great and  small, to the building of this state in the past, present, and future are rarely recognized; and

      WHEREAS, The state of Washington has become home to a number of the world's leaders in computer software, biotechnology, and medical research, which have all benefited substantially from the contribution of immigrant scientists, medical researchers, and engineers; and

      WHEREAS, Rapid changes in global affairs require countries to renew and enhance their ties with neighboring states and countries; and

      WHEREAS, Immigrants such as Samuel Jerisich, a Croatian immigrant who helped originally settle Gig Harbor, Hans Dehmelt, the University of Washington's first Nobel Prize winner, from Germany, Chin Chun Hock, the Chinese founder of Wa Chong Company, Fred Nelsen, from Denmark, a turn of the century dairy farmer in the Green River Valley, who, having received no formal education himself, served for many years on the Renton School Board, and sent six children to Washington State College, as well as many other individuals, have contributed to the rich history of Washington State; and

      WHEREAS, Washington public figures such as Representative Velma Veloria, from the Philippines, Representative Joyce McDonald, from Scotland, State Budget Director Dr. Chang Mook Sohn, and former state legislator Paul Shin, both from Korea, have all benefited our state in significant ways; and

      WHEREAS, The cousin of Governor Gary Locke, a leader in the Chinese-American community who immigrated to Washington in 1874, helped to quell a mob of angry citizens who attempted to drive Chinese residents out of the city in 1886; and

      WHEREAS, These famous immigrants, and those not as well known, have displayed an exceptional range of skills, talents, trades, and credentials; and

      WHEREAS, Washington immigrants faced the challenges of being newcomers in a strange land and succeeded in making their mark in this state; and

      WHEREAS, Those immigrants who come to Washington continue to be hard working, industrious, and productive participants and leaders in all aspects of state life and government; and

      WHEREAS, Washington immigrants continue to strengthen and enrich the fabric of our culturally diverse society;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State House of Representatives and all who live in this state recognize and honor the dedication, talents, loyalty, hard work, and priceless contributions that immigrants have made to the cultural, social, political, and economic growth of Washington.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         Resolution 4712 adopted by the House of Representatives

                              March 3, 1998.

                     ________________________________

                      Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk