Carnegie Corporation’s Fourth of July tribute to honor naturalized citizens from over 30 nations

BY LEONARD GREENE
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, June 29, 2017, 7:48 PM

Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

(ALTMAN, JENNIFER)
Naturalized citizens representing more than 30 countries will be saluted next week in a Stars and Stripes studded Fourth of July tribute by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

For more than a decade, the philanthropic foundation has recognized the invaluable role immigrants have played in helping to advance the nation’s society, culture, and economy.

This year — with the spotlight on immigrants shining brighter than ever — the corporation will recognize industry leaders, entertainers and elected officials whose immigration stories are as diverse as their adoptive home.

“Our annual tribute to great immigrants demonstrates the richness of talent, skills, and achievements that immigrants from around the world bring to every sphere of American society,” said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York.

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“This campaign reminds us of the debt the United States owes to generations of immigrants who become citizens and contribute to the progress of this country. Today, we celebrate and thank them.”

Among the honorees is Daily News Co-Chairman and Co-Publisher Eric J. Gertler, who came to the U.S. from Canada.

"It is a privilege to live in this country and be recognized for contributing to the betterment of the United States,” said Gertler, who became an American citizen shortly after 9/11.

“I am honored to be a part of this year's distinguished class of immigrants selected by Carnegie Corporation of New York."

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Gertler shares the honor with big names like actor Liam Neeson, who hails from Northern Ireland, Nobel Prize in medicine winner Andrew Schally, who emigrated from Poland, and retired Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice Margaret H. Marshall, who once called South Africa home.

The list also includes Academy Award-winning actor Anthony Hopkins of Wales, Forever 21 Co-founder and CEO Do Won Chang, who was born in South Korea, New York University law and philosophy Prof. Kwame Anthony Appiah, from Ghana and U.S. Rep. Norma Torres, of California, who came here from Guatemala.

The honorees will be featured in an online public awareness campaign that highlights the legal benefits of naturalization, including the right to vote.

Nearly 9 million lawful permanent residents are eligible to become naturalized U.S. citizens.

Carnegie’s Great Immigrants drive is designed to raise awareness about the naturalization process and to assist lawful permanent residents in taking the next step toward citizenship.

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