Shri Thanedar: “I thank the ranking member, Mr. Thompson, for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today as a symbol of what our…”

“I thank the ranking member, Mr. Thompson, for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today as a symbol of what our immigration system can achieve. In 1979, at the age of 24, I entered this country alone with no friends, no family, but I had my American Dream. At times, I slept in a car or at a homeless shelter that was funded by a faith-based nonprofit. At times, I got sick and needed to go to the hospital. H.R. 2 would cut funding for these nonprofit organizations and remove reimbursement systems for immigrants to get healthcare. When my colleagues on the other side of the aisle ask me why I don't support this bill, my answer is simple. I don't support cutting programs that helped me and help immigrants like me in times of their need and their hardship. I stand with countless immigrants who have contributed greatly to our country and urge opposition to H.R. 2. When my colleagues and I went down to the southern border, we met with many nonprofit organizations and saw the important and necessary work that they do. We met with the border agents and learned that they are working with a broken immigration system. Reforming this system is going to be complex, but the Republicans are proposing an enforcement-only strategy. This is not going to work. I propose that we expand legal pathways, restore asylum systems, and work with nonprofit organizations like the ones that housed me and cared for me when I was just arriving to this country.”