Speech #1040192229

I rise in strong support of the BermanChrysler amendment. Proponents of H.R. 2202 have argued that it is profamily. On the contrary. this legislation would eliminate whole categories of family sponsored immigration. Let me talk if I can for one moment about Mary Ward. Mary Ward emigrated to America at the turn of the century from County Down. Ireland. Mary Ward became a citizen in her late 50s and raised a family and worked as a domestic. passing on the very values that we cherish and honor in this Nation. Mary Ward was as patriotic as any American In this institution. and loved the opportunities that it brought to her family. Our goal here should be to separate legal from illegal immigration. Legal immigration serves this Nation very well. We acknowledge that illegal immigration is a problem. But where I live there are thousands of PolishAmericans and RussianAmericans and FrancoAmericans and ItalianAmericans and IrishAmericans and AsianAmericans. They add to the fiber and fabric and strength of this country.