Post by bot on May 7, 2017 19:46:19 GMT -5
Hoyer Remarks at Press Conference with Congressional Democrats Marking Immigrant Rights Day
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined Congressional Democrats to observe Immigrant Rights Day and stand in solidarity with immigrants. Below is a transcript of his remarks:
“A nation of immigrants. We say that, and we say it with pride. We say that with an understanding that the historical impact of immigrants on this country is what has made this country what it is: a great country, a great country right now.
“Let me echo the thoughts of two of my colleagues who have already spoken. How essential it is that we speak with respect of one another, with civility towards one another, with understanding of one another. And with an understanding that we are all proud of that statue in New York Harbor that lifts her lamp. It is a lamp of welcome, not a lamp of exclusion. It is a lamp of understanding that 40% of the Fortune 500 companies in America were founded by immigrants. Forty percent of our Nobel Prize winners in the United States of America are immigrants. They have enriched our country and as [Senator] Martin Heinrich said, ‘they are us.’ Martin’s father came here from Germany. My father came here from Denmark at the age of 32 in 1934.
“The Taoiseach, who is the Prime Minister of Ireland, comes here every year, Nancy [Pelosi], every year with us, and the President of the United States is there and the Speaker of the House is there and every year the Taoiseach says, ‘you need to pass comprehensive, immigration reform.’ Why does the Taoiseach say that? Because he knows right now that there are extraordinary, productive, important citizens that come from his country, Ireland, and they’re not authorized to be here.
“America, at its best, understands the value and worth of each of those who live here. And so I am proud and honored to stand here with all of you… Michelle [Lujan Grisham], I am proud of your leadership. Joe [Crowley] who has one of the greatest and most diverse districts… I won’t get into that debate.
“But I’m proud to be here with my colleagues who are saying to all their constituents and all of America: let us make sure that we don’t do what we encouraged other countries not to do. I traveled behind the Iron Curtain regularly and said, ‘do not divide families. Make sure families can be unified.’ How ironic it would be if we do the opposite of what we asked them to do.
“So now let me yield to one of the most extraordinary advocates for the rights of immigrants from Chicago, Representative Luis Gutiérrez.”