I think we can strengthen that. and I will look forward to working with her on that and on things such as insurance or support. releasing those who are not able to pay or be sponsors. perhaps setting a poverty level there. We can do those things. But I emphasize. too. we always get into immigration matters. Every one of us is a child or a grandchild or a greatgrandchild of immigrants. That is my history. my heritage. my roots. And it is most interesting to me when I hear the discussion of the secondclass citizen. I agree totally with my friend from California. there is no distinction between a naturalized citizen and a nativeborn citizen except the Constitution. This certainly does not draw the distinction. If there Is a difference here. it is a difference expressed only by the sponsor of the amendment. because we are treating them exactly the same. We arc treating the naturalized citizen and the nativeborn citizen exactly the same under this. I agree we should not in any way treat them differently. treat them as secondclass citizens. Treat them the same. So here. in this case. as the bill is drafted. a nativeborn citizen today must disclose all assets when applying for welfare and the naturalized citizen should also. likewise. disclose all assets as well. One of the assets of the person to be naturalized is a contract of their sponsor that they will take care of them. It is the same as a courtordered sponsor agreement. It is the same as any other thing. any other obligation of life. The sponsors contract of support is an asset of the naturalized citizen. just as alimony or a child support agreement is an asset that must also be considered. We treat the naturalized citizen no differently than we do the native born. Both must present all of their assets while seeking public assistance. That is the intent of the legislation in its original form. If the sponsor loses his or her assets and incomeplease hear this--the deeming period is over. If the sponsor dies. the deeming period is over. If the sponsor has too little wherewithal or assets to assist the immigrant. to help with school or whatever. the deeming then will not reduce the applicants ability to receive this assistance. It is very critical that we hear these distinctions. What is the remainder of my time?
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immigrant naturalized immigrants immigration