I have to tell my colleagues that they are going to hear some Members speak to inform us that this victory is not shared by all Americans. Americans who work hard. Americans who want to take care of the families. people who have been in this country for many years but because of their status as legal immigrants will not be able to share this victory. There are a number of us who are concerned both on the substitute and also concerned with the base bill. We feel that the treatment of legal immigrants is very unfair. There is a misconception in this country. there is a misconception in this House that legal immigrants are people who recently came over and are here legally only for one reason. to get on public assistance. That is not the case. We will hear tonight that many of these people have been here for many. many years. have worked hard. have raised their children. and now. in many cases. will need the services and the opportunities that they have earned.
Identified stereotypes
Legal immigrants are here only to get on public assistance.