[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 29 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF SEPTEMBER 11TH HUMANITARIAN RELIEF AND PATRIOTISM ACT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 15, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the 
September 11th Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act with 
Representatives Peter King, Rangel, Nadler, Serrano, Israel, Engel, 
Berman, Schakowsky, and Hare.
  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 World Trade Center.
  The USA PATRIOT Act initially gave some immigrants amnesty until 
September 10, 2002. Others, who were not protected by the amnesty 
provided by the PATRIOT Act, because they were undocumented, also face 
deportation. The administration has acted with care by not moving 
forward with deportation procedures for many of them, but their status 
nonetheless remains in limbo. This legislation would provide permanent 
relief for the non-citizen dependents of deceased victim of the 
September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as determined by the September 
11th Victims Compensation Fund. These individuals should not be forced 
to leave the country because of the actions of the terrorists.
  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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