Speech #970214089

It concerns the ChineseAmericans who are residing in this country. Many of these citizens have brothers and sisters who live in mainland Chinabrothers and sisters they have not seen for over 30 years as a result of our past policy toward that nation. To deny these brothers and sisters their right to emigrate to the United States would be a cruel and insensitive act. Conversely. a large portion of these same ChineseAmericans have parents that have long since passed away. their brothers and sisters are now the only part of the family that remains. and their relationship will grow even stronger through the years. Our great Nation has often been characterized as the "melting pot of the world." It is a characterization we hold in high regard. Yet equally Important. is our concept of the complete family. an essential element in the building of our society. The elimination of the fifth preference could only result in irreparable damage to these two institutions we hold so dear and that are so vital to our Nation. I urge all my colleagues to defeat such a hideously insensitive move and completely restore the fifth preference immigration category. I know of a certain lady who would be tremendously proud of us.9