Speech #1040196570

Mr. President. as we begin to consider reforms in our Nations immigration laws. our thoughts also are with our Immigration Commissioner. Doris Meissner. and her children. Chris and Andy. as they cope with the loss of a husband and father. Chuck Meissner was serving ably as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce and he was on Secretary Browns plane when it crashed in Croatia Just 10 days ago. I know that the thoughts and prayers of all of us in the Senate go out to the Meissner family during this very difficult time. At the outset of this debate on immigration reform. I commend the chairman of the Immigration Subcommittee. Senator SIMPSON. for his able leadership on this landmark legislation. as well as for his able leadership over many years on the many difficult issues involved in immigration. Senator SIMPSON has always approached these issues thoughtfully and fairly and with an open mind. He is steadfast in his commitment to what he believes is best for America. And I know that all Senators of both parties join in expressing admiration and appreciation for his efforts. As we consider immigration reform today. we must be mindful of the important role of immigration in our history and our traditions. Immigrants bring to this country a strong love of freedom. respect for democracy. commitment to family and community. fresh energy and ideas. and a strong desire to become a contributing part of this Nation. As President Kennedy wrote in 1958 in his book. "A Nation of Immigrants": There is no part of our nation that has not been touched by our immigrant background. Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life Those ideals are widely shared and bipartisan. As President Reagan said in his final speech before leaving the White House: We lead the world because. unique among nations. we draw our peopleour strengthfrom every country and every corner of the world.... Thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of opportunity. were a nation forever young. forever bursting with energy and new ideas. and always on the cutting edge. always leading the world to the next frontier.