Speech #1050119730

Mr. Chairman. I think that the arguments being applied on the House floor as I stand inI support of the gentleman from Rhode Island and his amendment. today Is eassentLially this: The question of how immigration has served this Nation during the last many years. and what I am struck by in terms of this debate is that while we are asking for a narrow solution. I think it draws us to the broader argument of what immigration does for America. In the Instances of Portugal and Greece where. by the way. tihe United States Senate has already swiftly acted on this initiative. we are not only talkIng about great allies. but we are talking about people who regularly visit and then regularly and faithfully return. The truth is that for many of us who have large Greek constituencies or large Portuguese American constituencies. not only Is it an opportunity for families to reunite for brief periods of time. but also I think is an opportunity to once again extend the argument. Lha. America warmly welcomes and receives tie Idea and notion of what immigration has meant in our history. I have stood on this floor in debate in the past over tie issue of immigration. and happen to believe. as one whose grandparents were Immigrants to tisle Nation. that immigrants and immigration serves the purpose of this NaLion very well. echnology allows for more Instant. communication. and now there is tei opportunity here to allow Greek and Portuguese visitors to America to come with more regularity. In.both Instances. I think it is an example not only of cooperation but how In tie long run Ils boostA the American economy. When tie gentleman from Rhode Island asked tue today to join this debate I was enthusiastic about doing It. based upon the constituenclea that I have had a chance to represent now for more than 2 decades in Springfield. We are still a Nation that honors the notion of immigration. It is hard work. it IS principle. it is dedication. it is falih and family and friend Lhat these people still celebrate. They could give all of us a lesson in patriotism and hard work.