We cannot ignore the significant social cast borne by our nation when select groups are denied the means to absorb the values and skills upon which our social order rests. It was Justice Powell who said: Congressvested by the Consitution with the responsibility of protecting our borders and legislating with respect to alienshas not provided effective leadership in dealing with this problem. It therefore is certain that illegal aliens will continue to enter the United States and. as the record makes clear. an unknown percentage of them will remain here. I agree with the Court that their children should not be left on the streets uneducated. I am not saying. as Justice Brennan so carefully refrained from arguing. that free education is a "fundamental right" but "neither is it merely some Government benefit indistinguishable from other forms of social welfare legislation." I dont believe education should be considered a form of welfare and put into the same category as food stamps or aid to families with dependent children. It is a highly motivating vehicle which can be used to steer ones life away from such dependent vices as welfare. It is clear to me that we as legislators haie failed to provide this Nation with effective immigration policies. This amendment corrects a weakness in S. 2222 and I urge my colleagues to vote with me for a strong and more cohesive immigration bill.
Keywords matched
immigration illegal aliens