Eagle Tribune Sept. 2, 2009 about New Center
Today, August 20, 2008, marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Field Office in Lawrence. The ceremony took place at the site of the former Lincoln Foods Building, 2 Mill Street Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Groundbreaking for the new Immigration Center
This is not the first facility to help immigrants in finding their way in the United States. Many non-profits have historically been offering the help necessary for immigrants to find a way to make it in their new neighborhood. As federal laws change, details get more complicated , places such as The International Institute, The YWCA, Benevolent Societies of many ethnic organizations have all been sources for information, solace, a few bucks and legal advice.
Some very special individuals also took up that call - Lawrencian, Alice O'Connor being a very important one of them.
In the archives of the Lawrence History Center we have a collection of diaries of Miss Alice O'Connor who championed the rights of newcomers to Massachusetts and Lawrence. A single woman who was born, raised and educated in Lawrence, at the height of immigration to the US, Miss O'Connor had compassion and a passion to help improve living conditions, education for immigrant children and to develop just laws for immigrants. Miss Alice O'Connor: Immigration Reformer.
The Immigrant City is still the home to hundreds of immigrants each year, seeking a different life for themselves and for their families. This city was built by and for immigrant workers - who labored in the mill construction; who labored in mill production and now ~ seek a new life for themselves and for Lawrence, a city they now call home. Bringing this facility to our City respects the citizenship challenges of those men, women and children who have made America great - and continue to do so.
Additional photos from today's ceremony at 2 Mill Street, Lawrence.
Denis Riordan, District Director U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services
Honorable Niki Tsongas, United States Congresswoman 5th District, speaking. Seated: Honorable Michael J. Sullivan, Mayor of Lawrence and Honorable Susan C. Tucker, State Senator
Vacant lot scheduled for March 2009 completion of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS) Lawrence Field Office