Speech #1090119997

Mr. President. immigration is the story of American history. From the earliest days of our Nation. generation upon generation of immigrants have come to be part of a land that offers freedom and opportunity to those willing to do their part. Immigrants built our great cities. They cultivated our rich farmlands. They built the railroads and highways that bind America from sea to shining sea. They erected houses of worship to practice their faiths. They fought under Americas colors in our wars. In fact. 60.000 immigrants are fighting in the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan today. Immigrants worked hard so that their children could embrace the everwidening possibilities in our land. And over the centuries. immigrants came to America from every part of the globe and made the American dream. They created a Nation that is the envy of the world. That is our history. But it is also our present and our future. We heard the moving immigration story anew here in the Senate just last week as Senator DOMENICI eloquently described his familys immigrant roots. He told how his parents came from Italy with nothing. His father earned his citizenship through his service in the U.S. Army in the First World War. His mother remained an undocumented immigrant until much later in life. In fact. she was arrested by the immigration authorities many years after coming to America. but she was able to gain legal status. remain in the country and later become a citizen. The Domenicis worked hard. learned English. built a successful grocery business. and their children went on to have successful professional careers. And. as we know. one became a distinguished and respected United States Senator.