Political Quotes

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise in strong support of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act. This legislation will protect 2.5 million people as American as everyone in this Chamber but for a piece of paper, young people who came here as children, brought by their families to pursue the American Dream. That is why we call them Dreamers. They did what we would expect of any other good American. They worked hard. They served in our communities. They served in our military. They studied at our schools. They strengthened our communities. {time} 1615 We had a hearing of examples of Dreamers, these young people who did extraordinary things, who enriched the lives of their own communities, who are scholars, community activists, teachers, doctors, and lawyers, people making incredible contributions. I have met with Dreamers in my home State, where 6,000 people will be protected by this legislation. They are valued and productive members of our community. There is also protection in here for TPS designees. In the State of Rhode Island, we have the largest Liberian community, who make unbelievable contributions and live with such uncertainty. We, of course, need comprehensive immigration reform, but protecting Dreamers is first. We have heard a lot of arguments about other problems with our immigration system. We agree, but I haven't heard anyone say that these young people don't deserve protection in this debate today.…”