Joe Lieberman: “I am going to speak on amendment No. 1191, which is set down for a vote this evening. This is an amendment that would…”

“I am going to speak on amendment No. 1191, which is set down for a vote this evening. This is an amendment that would improve our Nation's treatment of asylum seekers, that is, people who come to our shores seeking refuge from persecution they have suffered in their home countries based on race, religion, nationality or political conviction. As far as I know, this is the only amendment on the treatment of those seeking asylum that will be considered as part of this comprehensive immigration legislation. I offer this amendment because the Congressionally chartered Commission on International Religious Freedom has told us that our country, our Government, is failing in its historic duty to those 'longing to breathe free' from the Statue of Liberty. I believe, as the Commission outlined, we can address this serious challenge at very little expense, with no adverse affect on our Nation's security, and without impairing immigration enforcement operations. It is the right thing to do. It is consistent with our best values in our history.”