Speech #980141099

and Congressman RODINo have worked hand in hand for years for many of the same values and initiatives. The ACIM. now in its 31st year of service. is a private. voluntary. nonprofit agency which offers services to assist immigrants from Italy and dozens of other nations with their problems with immigration. resettlement. and assimilation into American society. The ACIM has been a godsend to many immigrants who faced an uncertain future on our shores. The ACIM is also an active advocate for fair national immigration policies. Throughout its lifetime. the ACIM has raised its voice to awaken our countrys conscience to its human and moral obligation to insure that immigration policies remain generous. humane. and fair. After all. America is truly a nation of immigrants. it is essential that we not forsake our roots. The ACIM has been especially active in cases where the reunification of families is concerned. They have fought diligently for legislation to abolish all forms of racial discrimination. In all these matters. they found a tireless champion in Chairman RODINO. PETER RODINO has established an outstanding legislative career. with close involvement with civil rights and immigration legislation throughout his 34 years in Congress. In the 1960s. when this Nation grappled with its constitutional responsibilities of fairness and justice for all Americans. PETER RODINO helped lead the way in this country. He was the leading influence in the passage of all major civil rights bills from that era through today. His compassion was extended not only to Americans but also to those who yearned for citizenship in this great Nation. Chairman RODINO has always been a stalwart supporter of equitable immigration laws. holding high the value of family togetherness. He was the chief House manager of the immigration reform law of 1965. which eliminated immigrant quotas for individual nations. This quota system had been the foundation of American immigration policy since World War I. Finally. because of Mr. RoDINo and the 1965 landmark legislation. family ties became of paramount importance in American immigration policy. PETER RODINO has consistently upheld the highest values of the JudeoChristian tradition. Indeed. his integrity. compassion. and dedication to these values has attracted the attention of the Vatican. which has bestowed on the chairman the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award. one of the highest honors that can be given a Catholic layman.