I am very grateful to all those who have been a part of this process. So many have added so much to help get us where we are today. We recall that throughout our history courageous immigrants have provided the hard work. the strong family. and the love of country which defines the American spirit. They dug our canals. built our railroads. they advanced our science. fostered our innovation. and they fought in our wars. And 60.000 have served our colors with pride in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those are the permanent resident aliens that are in the service in Iraq and Afghanistanand other places around the world. They became part of the American dream. Immigrants have been the heart and muscle that has moved this country forward for 400 years and helped make America the envy of the world. Last month. we were reminded. in a personal way. of the contributions of immigrants by the moving stories related by Senator DOMEmci and Senator MARTINEZ. Senator DOMENICI told how his parents came here from Italy with nothing. His father earned his citizenship through his service in the Army in the first World War. His mother was here for many years before gaining her legal status and once faced deportation but later became an American citizen. The Domenicis worked hard. learned English. built a successful grocery business and one of their children went on to become a distinguished and respected Senator. Senator MARTINEZ of Florida told us about his familys flight from Cuba to begin a new life in America.
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deportation immigrants Immigrants