I supported the new welfare law. Policy reforms to move people from welfare to work were laudable and long overdue. Yet throughout the welfare debate I also supported numerous attempts. all of which failed. to soften the bills restrictions on benefits to legal immigrants and refugees. Simply put. the welfare bill went too far. It was too harsh on legal immigrants who come to this country with every Intention of working hard And contributing to our economy and cultural melting pot. It also was too harsh on refugees and asylees who come to this country to escape persecution in their native lands. To this latter group. the United States made and continues to make a unique commitment of assistance and guidance to help them rise above adversity and build a new life for themselves and their families. Wisconsin has been enriched by many different ethnic groups throughout Its history. That said. I would like to take this occasion to discuss a population that has been hit particularly hard by the welfare changes--the Hmong and other highland peoples--who came to Wisconsin and other parts of the country as refugees from Southeast Asia. Since coming. they have faced the challenges of integrating into Amerlean society. Many arrived In this country illiterate because they did not have a written language at home and have had a difficult time fulfilling the educational requirements of the citizenship application. In August. many of the Hmong would have lost the SSI benefits that they have relied upon to cope with these challenges. Like most legal Immigrants before and since. the Hmong and their children have strengthened our communities. But some of my colleagues may not know of the Hmongs Invaluable contribution to the United States before ever setting foot in Wisconsin or anywhere else on American sell. Mr.
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refugees immigrants Immigrants