Speech #1040192235

Mr. Chairman. I rise In strong support of the ChryslerBermanBrownback amendment to separating the unique concerns of legal and illegal immigration. Proponents of deep cuts in legal immigration are blurring this distinction in order to make it difficult for us to vote against sorely needed illegal immigration reform. They know that their cuts in legal immigration cannot pass on merit alone. Immigrant bashers argue that America needs to take a time out and limit or provide a moratorium. In the 1920s. they say. we experienced unprecedented economic growth the last time the United States had such a policy. Mr. Chairman. in response to those specious arguments: One. that was no time out. That was a policy based on xenophobia and racism. Two. moreover. when our Nation endured an unprecedented depression in the 1930s. the same restrictive immigration policy was in place. I am disappointed with the antiimmigration forces who have denied us a chance to address the restrictive asylum and humanitarian parole provisions that were Included in H.R. 2202. Accordingly. I urge my colleagues to support this important ChryslerBermanBrownback amendment.