The United States is a nation of immigrants. The Statue of Liberty stands proudly in New York Harbor welcoming the huddled masses of the world who yearn to breathe free. We take pride in the melting pot that has made generations of immigrants American. Yet there has always been tension in America between newcomers and those whose ancestors arrived earlier. In our own time many fear that the numbers of people flocking into the United States have grown too great to assimilate.

These were the issues that directed the inquiry during the three-day symposium, which culminated in the four speakers appearing on the Louisville, KY public radio (WFPL) program State of Affairs. A recording of the program soon will be archived at Duggan Library.

Ruben Navarrette

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The goal of the CFI Symposium Series is to bring together nationally known scholars from diverse backgrounds to discuss a topic about which they are considered experts. We strive to ensure that many different approaches to the topic are represented among the speakers. The symposium: "Immigration and American National Identity" succeeded in achieving this goal.

The event began in Louisville, KY as former Congressman Romano L. "Ron" Mazzzoli congratulated the Center for Free Inquiry for promoting inquiry and offering opposing viewpoints. He encouraged our students to take advantage of the opportunity to hear speakers who might offer a different perspective from their own and to think about and develop educated opinions as a result.