Chellie Pingree: “This amendment would block New York City from completing the terms of its lease agreement with the National Park…”

“This amendment would block New York City from completing the terms of its lease agreement with the National Park Service, and it offers no solution for those seeking refuge. This amendment would put up yet another obstacle for the residents of New York City as they try to address this unique challenge. We should be looking for ways to help both residents of the city and the migrants as they navigate the often complicated and lengthy immigration process. I know a little something about this challenge the cities are facing because while I don't represent New York City, I represent Portland, Maine, and other cities in Maine that have had a large influx of asylees coming to our State. Now, we are a very welcoming State, but we have some of the same challenges with finding sufficient housing for people while they are navigating this difficult process of asylum seeking. Now let's just remember, we are a welcoming nation. Asylum seekers are coming from war-torn countries, from political challenges, and the process of seeking asylum can take a very long time. In my State, we have some of the same challenges trying to find sufficient housing. I want to say that we can't forget the fact that, again, we are a welcoming nation. We are a welcoming State, and we are a nation of immigrants. I don't know about my colleague across the aisle, but I am very fortunate that my grandfather had the opportunity to come to this country.…”