Speech #980151500

Mr. Speaker. while we were away between our two sessions of Congress. the National Conference of Catholic Bishops proclaimed and sponsored its fourth annual National Migration Week between January 914. 1984. The theme of the week. as set by Pope John Paul II in his worldwide message of observance of Migrants Day. urged Catholics and all peaceloving people of the world to "look with love on the migrant world" and to "make a pledge of fraternity toward migrants." National Migration Week focused its attention on the reception given to all newcomers to the United States. including immigrants. refugees. undocumented workers. migrant agricultural workers. and foreign students. in fact all who are separated from family and community. The United States has been a beacon of hope and inspiration to migrants and displaced persons for decades. Each year the world looks to our country to set the example for the proper humanitarian response to the plight of the less fortunate of the world. In recognizing National Migration Week. I do so both as chairman of the Subcommittee on Immigration. Refugees. and International Law and as a Member of Congress. I salute my colleagues for their past support of legislation affecting migrants of all categories. But above all. I salute the American people who. in spite of financial downturns and economic pinches. have always demonstrated a strong and enduring "fraternity toward migrants." The National Conference of Catholic Bishops. and especially those dedicated people in its pastoral care of migrants and refugee service. should be commended for singling out the migrants among us and across the globe for special attention. I hope the Bishops continue to proclaim one week every year to honor migrants. I pledge my support in marking these important occasions.*