[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E457-E458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        H.R. 2202--THE IMMIGRATION IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST ACT

                                 ______


                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 26, 1996

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I believe H.R. 2202 creates 
an aura of fear and suspicion within our communities. Instead of 
addressing the real problem--the loss of our jobs to illegal 
immigrants, it unfairly punishes children and college students seeking 
an education. My district in Rhode Island is comprised of American 
citizens and legal residents of a multitude of races and nationalities. 
Because of that, I voted against final passage of the bill.
  I wholeheartedly support H.R. 2202's initiatives to end illegal 
immigration by increasing the number of border control agents, building 
additional roads and barriers and cracking down on employers who hire 
illegal aliens. This mean spirited bill however, heightens the fear, 
hysteria, and anti-immigrant fervor that is running rampant across this 
country. For this reason, I could not in good conscience support this 
legislation.
  My district in Rhode Island is enriched by the many people who have 
brought their cultures and traditions to this great Nation to build a 
life for themselves and for future generations. I am proud of these 
hardworking Americans, who each day go to work, pay taxes, and 
contribute to creating a stronger United States and Rhode Island.
  Rhode Island boasts a myriad of ethnic groups who take pride in these 
cultures and traditions. This allows future generations of Rhode 
Islanders to celebrate the lives of their forebearers while providing 
the greater community the opportunity to share, learn, and respect the 
value of difference. This fellowship is part of the solution to ending 
the ignorance and fear of the unknown. Whether it be the Portuguese 
fiestas in Bristol, the Greek festivals in Pawtucket, the Hispanic 
celebrations in Central Falls, the French-Canadian traditions in 
Woonsocket, the Italian feasts in North Providence, or the Irish 
parades in Newport, Rhode Islanders value and cherish their ethnic 
roots. H.R. 2202 contributes to the slow but sure demise of these 
cultural values.
  I find it unconscionable that Congress would approve legislation 
allowing school administrators the right to demand proof of citizenship 
before allowing a child to receive an education. It is a travesty that 
in an effort to curb illegal immigration, the authors of this bill have 
chosen to scapegoat children. Have we become so desperate that we must 
resort to these drastic measures? Creating an Orwellian society in 
which individuals must present a

[[Page E458]]

card to verify their legality refutes everything that is right and good 
about America. It is blind and unfair. It fans the flames of prejudice. 
Does anyone doubt who will be asked to present a card? All too easily 
administrators will fall back on old prejudices for guidance. Someone 
is not any less an American because of the color of their skin or 
because their last name is new to a neighborhood.
  I view H.R. 2202 as nothing but a political ploy orchestrated by the 
Republican Party to once again appease their supporters, to retain and 
build upon their majority. By forcing Democrats to go along, or be 
criticized for not doing the politically in thing, the Republican 
majority is once again playing games with extremely important issues. I 
will not be a part of playing their games and trampling on the spirit 
of ethnic pride in Rhode Island and the United States.

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