Speech #1090172648

I have gone to Sweden and gotten the embarkation and legal papers. I have them at home. My father was born in 1916. while Anders was still here legally but as an immigrant. My father is an American citizen today because of birthright citizenship. I am a citizen today because Anders Isakson bore that son in 1916. The proudest thing I have on my wall in my den at home is the May 3. 1926. documents that made Anders Isakson a U.S. citizen when he completed his process. 23 years after coming here legally as an immigrant. to become a citizen of the United States of America. There is not a person in this room who respects immigration and the right to come to America and the promise of Ellis Island more than I do. I am a living testimony to its promise. It is time we return to a pathway to citizenship that is legal. It is time we stop looking the other way and letting people come to America the easy way and the soft way. and say to those who are learning our language. studying our history. those who are pledging allegiance to our country and disavowing their previous allegiance. those who are coming the right way ought to be the stars in the crown of American immigration. It is time we secure our border. It is time we reformed our immigration so the numbers coming reflect the demands of our economy. It is time we stop making promises. It is time we start delivering.