Political Quotes

On the recordMarch 2, 1995
as a person who came to this country at the young age of 7 as a refugee fleeing the Communist dictatorship of Fidel Castro in Cuba, I know first hand the generosity and opportunities this great country has offered immigrants from around the world. Unfortunately, I am afraid that today, an anti-immigrant sentiment is growing from an unreal perception that immigrants only come to the United States to take advantage of our generous society and become a burden on the state while never integrating nor becoming productive citizens. Nothing could be further from the truth. Immigrants have contributed greatly to all facets of American life in the economic, cultural, and political fields. I appeal to my colleagues to not be swayed by those who would place all of the problems of this Nation on the backs of immigrants. Let us look at immigrants for what they are: hard working, god fearing, law- abiding, honest residents, who like native born Americans, want to provide themselves and their children a better future.
Said by
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Republican · Florida

Editor's note · Context

Addressing anti-immigrant sentiment and advocating for the contributions of immigrants to American society.

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