Speech #1020080232

Hispanics comprise a significant portion of the American population and in fact. are the fastest growing segment of the population. It Is. therefore. in the best Interests of this country to promote an understanding of the diverse cultures and customs that comprise what we call the Hispanic community. The Hispanic community has expanded to include not only the traditional Immigrant groups of Mexicans. Puerto Ricans. and Cubans. but myriad people from many countries of South and Central America. These immigrants often come from quite different experiences and can encounter very different situations. The El Salvadoran Immigrants. for example. have encountered unique problems relating to their Immigrant status that others have not. National Hispanic Heritage MonthSeptember 15 to October 15 can highlight these differences and also the similarities In the problems that face this growing community. The crisis In education in this country Is particulady acute in the Hispanic community. Hispanics have a higher high school dropout rate than any other segment of the population. Nearly one In two Hispanics will not complete high school and half of Hispanic dropouts have not completed the ninth grade. New Immigrants. many of which are already educated in their native countries. face growing waiting lists for English classes due to cutbacks In federally promised funds in the form of State legalization impact assistance grants. Others face discrimination when applying for jobs due to the employer sanctions provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Many of us here In Congress opposed this law because we felt that it would cause discrimination. Study after study now confirm our fears.