[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 94 (Friday, July 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1344-E1345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE, THE JUDICIARY, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 8, 2004

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4754) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and 
     State, the Judiciary, and related agencies for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to the 
Tancredo amendment.
  Earlier this summer, I came to the floor to oppose a similar 
amendment, and I felt obligated, as an American, to come to the floor 
today to oppose this misguided one.
  Community policing has been successful in our diverse neighborhoods 
because police have proactively convinced immigrants that they should 
come forward and talk to local police. Mr. Tancredo's amendments would 
instill additional fear in immigrants, already under attack from 
certain political forces despite our Nation's history of welcoming 
them.

[[Page E1345]]

  The Tancredo amendment is a veiled attempt to paint immigrants as 
terrorists and security threats. These immigrants contribute to our 
economy. They harvest our food, work in our factories and only want to 
realize the American dream for themselves and their families.
  I quoted it the last time I came to the floor, and I will quote it as 
often as necessary to make my point.
  As is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, we need to remember here in 
Congress the generous invitation that the United States has always 
extended to the world: ``Bring me your tired, your poor, your huddled 
masses, yearning to be free, the wretched refuse of your teaming 
shores. Send these, the homeless tempest tossed to me. I lift my lamp 
beside the Golden Door.''
  I fully understand that we need a responsible immigration policy that 
enhances and ensures our national security. However, the Tancredo 
amendment is divisive and will, in fact, reduce our security. I 
strongly encourage my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

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