That Federal law means that
millions of persons with mental illness and substance abuse disorders
have better access to the care they really need. Senator Domenici spoke passionately and personally about mental
health. He also did so on immigration. His mother originally immigrated
to the United States illegally. During World War II, she was taken in a
raid aimed at ``Italian sympathizers.'' Those of us who were here
during the immigration debates in 2006 remember his plainspoken and
moving speech on the floor of the Senate, where he said:
I understand this whole idea of a household with a father
who is American and a mother who is not, but they are living,
working, and getting ahead. I understand that they are just
like every other family in America. There is nothing
different. They have the same love, same hope, same will and
same aspirations as those of us who were born here have. I couldn't agree more. Pete Domenici, my good friend, son of Italian immigrant grocers, a
great Senator, a great American, and a great New Mexican, thank you for
your remarkable contributions. You leave an exceptional legacy for New
Mexico and for the Nation. Mr.
Keywords matched
immigration immigrant immigrated