Ellis Island in 1890 was placed under the control of the Federal Bureau of Immigration for development as an immigration station;

I wanted to come by for a brief visit tonight, live and in person, for at least two reasons.

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol to the world of the dreams and aspirations which have drawn so many millions of immigrants to America;

Thank you and good night.

The property known as Ellis Island, as described in the preamble of this Proclamation, which is owned and controlled by the United States is hereby added to and made a part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, subject to the…

We have responsibilities to peace and we shall honor them.

Ellis Island was a temporary shelter for those who sought refuge, freedom, and opportunity in our country;

Between the years 1892 and 1954 Ellis Island was host to more than 16 million aliens entering this country;

Yes, we have responsibilities to freedom and we shall meet them.

This long overdue change, rooted as it is in national interests and in humanitarianism, should be enacted without further delay.

Along the broad front we are strong, and we are stable, and we are successful and, above all, we are steady on our course.

This month of May 1965 is the 50th month of uninterrupted economic expansion in our country.

To all Americans the Statue of Liberty stands eternal as the symbol of the freedom which has been made a living reality in the United States for men of all races, creeds, and national origins who have united in allegiance to the…

This exciting Federal-State project will preserve a bright chapter in American history.

The millions of people who passed through the Ellis Island Depot were important to America for their contribution in making the United States of America the world leader it is today;

I also hope that this Congress will draw on the lessons of Ellis Island and enact legislation to provide America with a wise immigration policy adapted to the needs of the 1960's.

Yes, tonight we can say that these are good times in America.

We want a beautiful America.