Political Quotes

On the recordJuly 30, 2014
Mr. President, I thank all of my colleagues who have been vocal about their commitment to address the Central American refugee crisis along our southern border. We have heard the stories of unimaginable violence, of corruption, of instability in places such as Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala-- factors that are driving many children to the United States and to other neighboring countries in Central America. In some cases these children are literally fleeing for their lives. Our Nation has responded with a spectrum of attitudes toward immigrants ranging from hostile to downright hospitable. It is my hope that our attitude as a nation continues to be defined by the image of the Statue of Liberty and not by shouting protesters holding signs labeled ``Return to Sender'' as they stand in front of buses full of Central American children. I recently received a letter from a constituent in my home State of New Mexico whose grandmother, as a result of extreme poverty, left her family and emigrated by herself to the United States from Ireland at the age of 14 at the end of World War I. Brendan said that when he was growing up, his grandmother frequently shared this Irish proverb with him. She said, ``Courage is the trust that your feet will bring you to where your heart is.'' Brendan asked that I continue to remind my colleagues that the immigrants who arrive at our borders come by foot following their hearts and do so in the hope of building a better life.…
Said by
Martin Heinrich
Democratic · New Mexico

Share & report

More from Martin Heinrich

May 15, 2024

What can you do to keep MESA running for important research and production?

congress.gov
Jun 11, 2024

I hope that in my lifetime, thanks in large part to these tribal buffalo herds, we will see bison return to the prominent place that it once occupied.

congress.gov
Jul 25, 2024

This legislation would implement the settlement agreement that has been carefully negotiated between Ohkay Owingeh, the State of New Mexico, neighboring water users and the United States.

congress.gov
May 14, 2024

I appreciate that, and I have heard concerns from the Tribes about the current proposal as well, so I just think we need to evaluate all our options here.

congress.gov

Other voices in this conversation