Speech #1050009231

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to draw attention to an all too familiar debate in our country. immigration and immigrants. This is an ageold topic that has taken many different faces since the founding of this Nation. Today the immigration debate seems to be focused on mostly Latino and AsianAmerican immigrants. or individuals from the Caribbean or African nations. people of color. However. I am concerned that the immigration issue is too often raised in a negative manner. Why Is It that we cannot talk about Immigrants without mentioning the undocumented. those who may not have complied with all of the rules and regulations? The politicizing of the Immigration issues and programs like Citizenship U.S.A. made by certain groups have attempted to demonize immigrants. I submit that certain groups have been using immigrants as a scapegoat for years. Oftentimes they have been marginalized In the great divide between black and white. As illustrated in the words of W.E.B. DuBois. he pointed out that mass immigration hurt both black and white laborers. as he foreshadowed future events by noting the Republican Party platform of 1864. which advocated Increased immigration in the Interests of big business: A now flood of eagertowork immigrant labor was brought into the country to work on the railroads and in the new Industries. Northern mill owners. who had feared free farms because they might decrease the number of laborers and raise their wages. were appeased by the promotion of alien Immigratien. It was Interesting to hear the Union Party. as the Republicans called themselves In 1864. say In their platform: "Foreign immigration. which in the past had added so much to the wealth and development of resources and the Increase of power to this Nationthe aspirations of the oppressed of all nations should be fostered and encouraged by a liberal and Just policy." rhat year the Bureau of Immigration was created .. . In 1860 immigrants were coming In at a rate of 130.000 a year ... but the new homestead laws began to attract them. so after the war Immigration quickly rose . . . and in 1573 had reached 460.000 annually. I feel it is important to address the issue of stereotyping our Nations immigrants because it Is unjust. it Is unfair. and it is wrong. I would like people to think of the many contributions that Immigrants have made. We should value and cherish immigrants. Everyone in this country. except for native Americans. are immigrants. Some came voluntarily and others. like myself. came involuntarily. It is my hope that the next time immigration is brought up as a topic. that it conjures up a positive image in our mind. one that values the mosacal background and cultures that make up the Nation as well as the district where I live. represent. and work. I enjoy experiencing the sights. sounds. and smells of Caribbean restaurants on Georgia Avenue. and Ethiopian cuisine in Adams Morgan. Closer to home.