There is no question about what we are trying to do. We have a provision about temporary resident aliens and permanent resident aliens. These are not refugees admitted to this country by the President after consultation with Congress. The people legalized under this bill are working here. They have been working and contributing to their communities for a substantial period of time. They have acquired what we call equities and put down roots. These people are paying State and local taxes. income taxes. property taxes. indirectly through rents or directly through home ownership. Refugees might well be a Federal responsibility of 100 percent. but this is not a 100percent Federal responsibility. It is a shared responsibility. It recognizes the benefits of legalization received by the State and local governments. including the taxes I mentioned. as well as the responsibilities of the Federal Government.
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Refugees refugees