The American Immigration Council and AILA are proud to sponsor the 13th annual "Celebrate America" Creative Writing Contest. The contest inspires educators to bring U.S. Immigration history and lessons into their classrooms and gives fifth graders the opportunity to explore America as a nation of immigrants.
 
The topic for the essay is "Why I am Glad America is a Nation of Immigrants."  Past winners have used the theme to discuss their personal immigration experiences, learn about and share family histories, or write about the broader questions of the challenges facing immigrants in a new land. The national winner and three guests (must include one adult) receive an all expense paid trip to the American Immigration Council's Annual Benefit Dinner in Washington, D.C., where he or she will be honored and read the winning entry. In years past, the Minnesota/Dakotas winners were awarded savings bonds, t-shirts, amusement park tickets, and other items.
 
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