Although unsuccessful on this occasion. Senator BROWNBACK and I intend to introduce our amendment as freestanding legislation. so that we can continue to fight to ensure that people who flee oppression and seek freedom in America are treated in accordance with our cherished values. After all. we often say that we are a nation built by immigrants. and that is true. but in many ways we are also a nation founded by refugees. As we pass this historic legislation it is essential that we remember that we are a nation of immigrants and refugees. Throughout the decades new waves of immigrants have arrived. They came from many cultures and countries. they came speaking many different languages. and as they settled here they enriched the nation. All four of my grandparents came to this country to pursue a better a life. as did the family of my wife Hadassah. who was born in Czechoslovakia and arrived here as an infant. The recent immigrants about whom we have been debating these last two weeks have come to our country for the same reason that my grandparents came for freedom. opportunity. and a better life for their children. This legislation we pass today will enhance our border security. improve our ability to enforce our immigration laws. and fuel economic growth. But beyond these reasons. it is also fully in keeping with our history as a nation of immigrants.
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refugees border security immigrants immigration