This is a good story about a Swiss immigrant who came here alone at age 14. She became a very important figure in Utah and U.S. government life and politics. - - Donna Poisl
by Kristen Rogers-Iversen, The Salt Lake Tribune
In 1897, a Swiss teenager left her family and came penniless and alone to Utah. As Elise Furer stood on the train platform in Salt Lake City at four o'clock on a dark winter morning, she watched the other immigrants go home with friends and family -- until she was alone on the platform.
At that moment, no one could have predicted that this lone girl -- who had joined the LDS church against her family's wishes -- would have a large influence on the social and political landscape. The issues she was passionate about have particular resonance for us today.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
This country was built by immigrants, it will continue to attract and need immigrants. Some people think there are enough people here now -- people have been saying this since the 1700s and it still is not true. They are needed to make up for our aging population and low birthrate. Immigrants often are entrepreneurs, creating jobs. We must help them become Americans and not just people who live here and think of themselves as visitors. When immigrants succeed here, the whole country benefits.
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