Speech #1040192260

Mr. Chairman. I rise in strong support of the Chrysler amendment and in support of legal immigration. America is a nation of immigrants. My grandfather came to America from Norway when he was 16 years old. Like most immigrants. he sought a better life for himself and his family. Three years after becoming a citizen. he was drafted. and served with distinction in the battle of the Argonne in World War I. And his story is one of only millions of Immigrant stories. of hope and opportunity. and of service to our Nation. If someone is in our country legally. and paying taxes. they should be able to receive the benefits that their tax dollars pay for. Legal immigrants are hardworking. taxpaying contributors to our society. Legal immigrants most often have intact families. college degrees. and are working. Overall. immigrants generate $25 to $30 billion a year in tax revenuesfar more than the cost of services they may consume. There is a problem with illegal immigration in our country. We need to take strict steps to reduce and eliminate illegal immigration. But lets not destroy what has contributed to Americas greatness for past centuries. Lets not treat legal immigrants as though they had broken the law. when they are law abiding. In his farewell address to the Nation. President Ronald Reagan recalled his favorite metaphor of America as a shining city. President Reagan stated that "If there had to be city walls. the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and heart to get here. Thats how I saw it and see it still." I share Ronald Reagans vision of immigration. the same vision that brought my grandfather to these shores and ancestors for generations to come.