Speech #1040203824

I have never been part of the ritual to deny benefits to permanent resident aliens. I think there is some consideration there to be given in these cases. I do not say that illegal immigrants should not have emergency assistance. They should. And the debate will take place today where we will say. "Well. why is it we do these things for illegal immigrants and we do not do it for legal immigrants?" The issue is very basic. The illegal immigrant does not have someone sponsoring them to the United States who has agreed to pay their bills. and see to it that they do not became a public charge. period. That is the way that works. So it is a very difficult issue because it has to do with compassion. caring. and all of the things that certainly all of us are steeped in. But in this situation it is very simple. The sponsor has agreed to do it. and to say that their income is deemed to be that of the immigrant. And that is the purpose of what the bill is. and this amendment would effectively in every sense undermine this aspect of the bill. So I did want to express my thoughts on the debate indeed. Then. finally. the Cuban Adjustment Act. as I said last night. is a relic of the freedom flights of the 1960s and the freedom flotillas of the late 1970s. At those times of crisis Cubans were brought to the United States by the tens and hundreds of thousands. Most were given this parole status which is a very indefinite status and requires an adjustment in order to receive permanent immigrant status In the United States. Since we welcomed those Cubans and intended that they remain here. the Cuban Adjustment Acta very generous actprovided that after 1 year In the United States all Cubans could claim a green card. That is the most precious document that enabled you to work. They would claim a green card and become permanent residents here. Since 1980 we have thoroughly tried to discourage illegal entry of Cubans. There is no longer any need for the Cuban Adjustment Act.