Mr. Speaker. this week this body took the first step toward legalizing the many undocumented workers currently residing within the United States by passing H.R. 1510. Americas greatness derives an important part from its being a land of refugees. Many of our forefathers arrived on these shores as refugees from political and religious repression in their native lands. It is for this reason I voted for the billto grant legal status to the many thousands of refugees who have come here. made their lives here. raised their families here. but must undergo the daily worry of apprehension and deportation. The decision was not easy. however. because the bill also contains provisions of great concern. The sanctions on employees creates the worry that all Hispaniclooking Americans will be discriminated against when they seek employment. The McCollum amendment. which I fought against so hard right to the end of the bill. denies class action recourse to our judicial system for all refugees. gives unqualified border guards authority to make difficult legal decisions on asylum and jeopardizes judicial review of their actions. . Because of these odious provisions. I initially voted against the bill. but in the end supported it. feeling the legalization provisions were of paramount importance.
Keywords matched
undocumented deportation refugees