[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF SEPTEMBER 11TH HUMANITARIAN RELIEF AND PATRIOTISM ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the September 11th 
Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act with Representatives Peter King, 
Weiner, Nadler, Higgins, Farr, Serrano, Engel, Owens, McDermott, 
Lantos, Schakowsky, Bennie Thompson, Solis, Schiff, Berman, Pallone, 
Patrick Kennedy and Grijalva.
  We are introducing this legislation because the terrorist attacks of 
September 11, 2001, left many surviving spouses and children of legal 
employment-based visa holders and undocumented workers in jeopardy of 
being deported, because their immigration status was linked to a family 
member who was employed at the WorId Trade Center. While the USA 
PATRIOT Act allowed these individuals to stay in the United States 
until September 10, 2002, that reprieve has expired. These individuals 
should not be forced to leave the country because of the actions of the 
terrorists.
  The ``September 11th Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act,'' which 
would provide for the adjustment of status (application for permanent 
residence, commonly known as ``green card'' status) or the cancellation 
of removal (and adjustment of status) for the spouse, child, dependent 
son, or dependent daughter of victims who were killed on September 11. 
While the Administration continues to act with care by not moving 
forward with deportation procedures for these individuals, their legal 
status remains in limbo unless they are given legal status in the 
United States. They should not continue to be victimized by the 9/11 
terrorists by living in fear that they will have to leave their homes, 
jobs, and communities. Additionally, New York City Mayor, Michael 
Bloomberg, supports this legislation and is calling on Congress to act.
  Finally, I would like to thank Moshe and Debra Steinberg for their 
assistance in preparing this legislation for introduction and for all 
of the work they have done on behalf of the victims of the September 
11, 2001, terrorist attacks. I urge my colleagues to support this 
legislation and urge its swift passage into law.

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