Mr. Speaker. the administration has unveiled an extraordinary program which gives the American public the impression that we are in a state of war with the rest of the world. The administration has requested that Congress grant emergency powers to the President in an attempt to keep unwanted immigrants from reaching the shores of the United States. The administrations proposal will authorize the President. in peacetime. the power to: Seal off harbors. airports. and roads. Restrict the right of Americans to travel outside the United States. Restrict the right of Americans to travel domestically. Eliminate judicial review of immigration decisions. Eliminate judicial review of Attorney General determinations in immigration matters. and Interdict foreignflag vessels in international waters absent international agreement. This incredible proposal represents a clear disregard for fundamental American ideals and freedoms. and negates the historical reality that ours is a nation of people representative of the world. The word immigration is synonymous with American history. Indeed it can be said that the immigrants that have entered our ports have enriched what is commonly referred to as the American culture. Immigrants have paid the price. Silently they labored. sweated. and sacrificed always in the hope of making a better life for themselves and their families. To the worlds poor. our country represents a better way of life.
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immigration immigrants Immigrants