On the recordFebruary 7, 2017
I thank the gentleman from California, and I rise today to oppose President Trump's anti-immigrant executive orders and to share with you why I feel these orders harm the people across my district and, ultimately, across our Nation. I am here because my grandfather came here as an Italian immigrant back in 1921. He told us that the reason he came here was to give his children a better life, and he wanted a chance to achieve what I think we all know to be the American Dream. I am here in front of you living the reality of that dream. And that is why I strive every day as best as I can to give back to my country and community here in Washington, D.C., and especially on the central coast of California. I do that not only because of my grandfather, but because it was our forefathers that made it clear that this is a nation, this is a country based on ``We the People.'' And so to me, being in this country, being American, means that all of us bear the burden to serve one another and to welcome those--especially those--who are willing to come here and share in that responsibility. I believe that we should embrace them. I believe that we should embolden them with the opportunities to share in that American Dream. We know that the world looks to the United States for enlightened leadership, but these ill-advised actions send a wrong message about our values as a nation. We are a nation of immigrants.…
