We have done all these things for so many others. We should not. we cannot. do any less for the people of Los Angeles County. It is disconcerting to me that some have chosen to exploit this moment of tragedy for political gain by immigrantbashing. This is not the time or the place to try to fix our Nations immigration problems. Concerns about immigration control are best dealt with through the Nations immigration policynot through tinkering with disaster relief in this appropriations bill. To come together over this crisis to achieve what should be our common goal--relief for the people of the area of Los AngelesI offered a compromise amendment in the Appropriations Committee that was adopted and supported by a vast majority of members on both sides of the aisle. In a time of crisis. we should not be adding layers of bureaucracy to a process which requires the utmost speed and efficiency. My amendment to this bill does not intend to create any such obstacles which could slow down Federal relief effort and cause discrimination against people who. for whatever reason. cannot come up with any documents. Let me state unequivocally that there Is no immigration verification requirement imposed upon FEMA as a result of this legislation. Indeed. in the Interest of fairness. any eligibility verification procedure must be applied equally to all persons applying for assistance. Nothing in the amendment should be construed as authorizing any procedure that has tha intent or effect ot discriminating against persons suspected of being ineligible for services.
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immigrantbashing immigration