Speech #1100068996

I thank the Senator. Let me touch on that issue. As an immigrant to America. I understand what it means to live the American dream. I had the opportunity to come to this country as a 15yearold child. not speaking the language or understanding this culture. yet the embrace that America gives those of us who are fortunate enough to come to these shores and make America our home made me an American. Many out there today fear that immigrants dont want to assimilate. The fact is--and I have said this beforeimmigrants come to America not to change this country but to be changed by this country. That was my experience. I think it is the experience that has been repeated to the over 200year history of this Nation as immigrants have come to these shores. and America has had the magic that it performs on those of us who come here to become Americans to then make a contribution. as I hope I am making today by serving in the Senate. The fact is. this is a divisive issue. but I believe it will bind and heal our country if we deal with it. Unfortunately. to do nothing will continue this festering debate in our country that is so divisive and. at times. so ugly.