Speech #1050009231

In spite of this insult. JapaneseAmericans formed a special regimental combat team. which was one of the most decorated units of its size in World War 1:. It should also be noted that a United States Government commission later concluded. and I quote: "Not a single documented act of espionage. sabotage. or fifth column activity was committed by an American citizen of Japanese ancestry. or by a resident Japanese alien." This is just one fine example of the many various contributions that Immigrants have made. I question the accusation that immigrants do not share the same commitment to the United States. According to a recent study released by the Cato Institute called "In Defense of a Nation" on the military contributions of immigrants. The military contributions of immigrants is a story that has gone largely untold. Today. 62.8W0 immigrants serve on aetive duty In the U.S. Armed Forces. More than 20 percent of the recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor In United States wars have been lmmigrants. Immigrant scientists and engineers are major developers of advanced U.S. Government laboratories and maJor defeaso firms. In fact. the submarine. the holicopter. a more advanced Ironclad ship. and the atomic and hydrogen bombs were developed by Immigrants. In short. the study concludes that "Throughout history and even now. immigrants have demonstrated their loyalty to this country. and have voluntarily sacrificed to protect the freedom of civil rights and the pride of this Nation Itself." Let us stop talking about the myths and misconceptions of immigrants. Let us look at the facts. It is a fact that most immigrants enter the United States legally. about 70 percent. according to the American immigration law forum. It is a fact that most immigrants come to the United States to unite with close family members. People come to this country for the American dream of freedom. peace. economic prosperity. opportunity. and democracy. They do not come here to take advantage of the welfare system. Contrary to popular belief. not all immigrants are Mexican or Chinese. Many are from places. African countries like Somalia.