Mr. Speaker. for countless years the United States has been heralded as a nation of immigrants. We are considered to be a melting pot of diverse racial. ethnic. and nationality groups--a land in which all persons. both newly arrived and native born. ostensibly enjoy a wide variety of freedoms and virtually limitless opportunities. Unfortunately. however. this is not an accurate picture as there are many who do not fully or equitably enjoy the benefits this country has to offer. Many persons are treated as secondclass citizens and are prevented from fully participating in our political. social. and economic life. One such group is the Puerto Rican. For many who migrated to the United States from Puerto Rico. their aspirations have not been realized and emigration to the mainland has tragically failed to provide the salvation many had imagined or hoped for. The Puerto Rican is seeking economic security and independence. full access to our educational. social. and political institutions. and the enjoyment of basic human rights and freedoms. Yet this is denied to many of us through ignorance. limited opportunities. prejudice. inadequate facilities and. programs. and simple discrimination.
Keywords matched
emigration immigrants