Speech #1040168788

Mr. President. I would like to set forth my general concerns about S. 1394. a bill passed out of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration a few weeks ago. In general. this bill would combine measures aimed at reducing illegal immigration with dramatic reductions in legal immigration. In my view. illegal and legal immigration are very different issues. Illegal immigration is a significant national problem. one that we should address by discussing ways to deal with people who cross our borders unlawfully. In contrast. legal immigrants are overwhelmingly lawabiding and hardworking people who contribute to our economy and our society. We should deal with the real problem of illegal immigration without retreating from Americas historic commitment to legal immigration. Mr. President. I would like to make an obvious point: America is a land of immigrants. For most of our history we have welcomed anyone with the desire and fortitude necessary to come here in search of a better life. Lady Liberty has held our door open to the teeming masses of the world. not out of pity. but out of respect for our Nations immigrant roots. and in the knowledge that immigrants made this country strong and prosperous. and will continue to do so. so long as we let them. We as a people will remain a vibrant. shining example to the world. so long as we continue to look out to that world. welcoming those who would Join us in building a free and open society. We have every right and even responsibility to expect those who come to our land to live up to our standards of decency and responsibility. We can and should expect ablebodied immigrants to work. We can and should expect them to forego the often debilitating effects of welfare. But we should not slam the door shut to people yearning to be free. and to build a better life for themselves and their families. My grandparents were all immigrants. They came to this country from Lebanon about a century ago in search of freedom. None of the four could speak English.