South Bend, May 5, 1988
Out of Time
Last night at 12 a.m., the amnesty deadline, allowing illegal immigrants to apply for residence in the United States, ran out of time. According to the new immigration regulations approved by Congress last year, illegal immigrants were granted amnesty for permanent residence in the country and applying for citizenship if they could prove that they had been in the United States since 1982. From among the estimated 6 to 8 million illegal aliens, nevertheless 1.3 million applied for amnesty. Areas of concentration were Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami. Up to the last minute, people were standing in line in front of 107 U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service Bureaus. Above all, the new immigration regulations are supposed to stem the swelling tide of illegal border crossings from neighboring Mexico. It should also give those millions of illegal immigrants, who are hiding and living in constant fear, legal status and a humanly worthy existence. For the first time, also employers are made responsible and punishable by law if they hire foreigners without a residence and work permit. It will not be possible to fully solve the problem of illegal immigration to the United States, but by this measure at least a partial solution has been achieved.
Sunday, May 8, 1988
Reelected
With convincing majority, Francois Mitterand won today the run-off election over Chirac as president of France for seven more years. By his stoic and deliberate restraint in crisis situations, Mitterand has become a stabilizing factor in Europe and in world politics.
South Bend, May 11, 1988
Irving Berlin 100 Years Old
The popular and beloved composer Irving Berlin celebrated his 100th birthday today quietly withdrawn in his home in Manhattan. Born in 1888 in Russia, he came with his parents in 1893 to America. Among the 1,500 songs Berlin wrote are the widely known hits “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “White Christmas” ( “I am Dreaming of a White Christmas” has become known the world over), “Easter Parade,” and “There is No Business Like Show Business.” The patriotic song “God Bless America” has virtually become a second anthem. Berlin also wrote the music for numerous Broadway musicals and films. In honor of Irving Berlin, a Gala Evening was given today in Carnegie Hall.
Note
[Israel Baline was born on May 11, 1888, in Tyumen, Western Siberia. The Baline family immigrated to the United States in 1893, passing through Ellis Island and settling down in New York. Israel Baline grew up in poverty on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. At first he started out as entertainer at the Bowery. He had a good voice and the natural talent to compose songs, which at their time had broad popular appeal. Usually, he also wrote the lyrics for his songs. As artist he assumed the anglicized name Irving Berlin in about 1909. His breakthrough as song writer came in 1911 with “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” Irving Berlin died on September 22, 1989, in New York.]
South Bend, May 25, 1988
Stopover in Helsinki
On their way to the summit meeting in Moscow, President and Mrs. Reagan took a stopover in Helsinki to get adjusted to the time difference. In Helsinki they received the news that all opposition in the Senate, which could have prevented the ratification of the INF Treaty, has been overcome.
May 27, 1988
INF Treaty Ratified
The U.S. Senate ratified 93:5 the INF Treaty. At the same time, also the Supreme Soviet confirmed the agreement. Howard Baker, the chief of staff of the White House, was immediately on his way to Helsinki to bring Reagan the ratified Treaty. President Reagan can now go on to Moscow with the ratified INF Treaty in hand.
May 29, 1988
Right on time at 2 p.m. local time, Air Force One with President and Mrs. Reagan on board landed in Moscow. For the first time in 16 years, since Richard Nixon in 1972, an American president is coming again to Moscow for a summit meeting. The very fact that Ronald Reagan has taken this step, shows the fundamental change in East West relations. The reception of President and Mrs. Reagan in the Kremlin was cordial but according to protocol stiff. It seemed though as if Ronald Reagan and his host Michael Gorbachev met as old acquaintance. It is after all the fourth summit meeting - Geneva, Reykjavik, Washington, and now Moscow - that brings them together. On both sides, the willingness was visible to improve mutual relations.
May 31, 1988
A Courageous Speech
For the first time, an American president spoke to Russian academic youth. In the great Hall of Moscow University, under the mural of the Russian Revolution and in front of Lenin’s bust, Ronald Reagan addressed the students, but indirectly also the Russian public about the new consent between America and the Soviet Union. He emphasized the significance of freedom, democracy and a free economy; he also pointed out the innovations of the Computer Age, which make it necessary to exchange information and to get to know each other. Reagan saw the hope for the future in the fact that he could not see any difference anymore, speaking to American, Russian, or any other students. At the conclusion of his speech, he received a standing ovation.