World Report: March 7, 1997 Vol.2 No.20
- This Issue:
- Table of Contents
- Cover Story
- Cover Story - Spanish Version
- Mini-Lesson
- Comprehension Quiz
- Teacher's Guide and Worksheets
Freedom Is Golden
Nearly four years ago, hopes of a new life in America sank for hundreds of illegal immigrants who had made a long journey from China. Their ship, the Golden Venture, ran aground just a few miles from the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor.
The passengers swam to the shore. Some were allowed to remain in the U.S. legally. Some were sent back home. But many had to wait in prison in Pennsylvania and other states as immigration agencies handled their cases.
At York County Prison in Pennsylvania, the Chinese passed the time by folding paper into sculptures of eagles, dragons and ships. The delightful paper art inspired York's citizens to help the immigrants. The people of York sold 14,000 sculptures, raising $100,000 to hire lawyers for the Chinese.
In 1994, 10 Golden Venture prisoners were released from York. President Clinton has ordered the release of the rest.
Last Wednesday the 39 Chinese immigrants at York County Prison were finally freed. They traded in their jail uniforms for clothes donated by townspeople, Soon the final 10 Golden Venture passengers will be freed from a California prison.
The Golden Venture refugees do not yet know if they can stay in the U.S. The courts must determine if they qualify as legal immigrants. For now, they are simply grateful for the generosity of the York families with whom they are staying. Said one: "We must thank you."
