The truth is that long before Mr. Smith was elected to Congress, I served as a Trial Attorney with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. I remain proud of my role in vigorously enforcing our immigration laws, and continue to favor a balanced and limited immigration policy. However, the recent changes in our immigration laws promoted by Mr. Smith are unduly punitive and serve to separate families and to hamper the ability of American companies to stay competitive by inhibiting their ability to hire the best and the brightest employees. Representative Smith's comments about anti-AIDS researcher Dr. David Ho and his family ring hollow. If anyone is in favor of rolling up the Welcome Mat to legal immigrants who have played by the rules, it is Mr. Smith.
Immigrants start businesses, create jobs and contribute to America.
Welcoming those who want to roll up their sleeves and work hard should not be a partisan issue. Not in spite of, but because of our polyglot background, we have had all the strength in the world. This is the American way.