Mr. Chairman. Immigration laws have needed review and updating for years. For that reason I am glad to see this legislation come to the House floor. I cannot pose as an expert on the details of immigration law. but I do offer some thoughts on the philosophy which should be behind it. The beckoning beacon of our Statue of Liberty is one of Americas greatest and most appealing symbols. For years it cast a gleam on nearby Ellis Island. the major point of debarkation for immigrants. Now most immigrants come by aircraft. and ocean voyagers check in at points elsewhere. But the Statue of Libertythe gift of our great sister Republic Francestill stands as an inspiration and a hope to those millions beyond our borders who long for an opportunity to share in the American heritage. To them America is a promised land. a place of refuge. a place where people can live in dignity and without fear. It is a place which exalts the individual person and prizes people as the greatest of all national resources. In America people are regarded as a form of wealth and national enrichment. not as problems. Immigrants enrich our national life today just as they did in the last century. They dont really put people out of work. whether they are skilled or otherwise. Each can help America by providing services. helping to produce goods. being good citizens. This is indeed a nation of immigrants. The achievements of immigrants of past generations are tremendous. American history is largely the history of Immigrants. Who are we to suggest that the achievements of the immigrants of today and tomorrow will be less than those of the past? America has vast land spacesroom for many more people. Ours is not a restricted. protected system but an open one.
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Immigration immigration immigrants Immigrants