As an immigrant to the United States and a naturalized American citizen, I have deep sympathy for those who come to this country in search of a better life. Therefore, I am appalled by Congress's recent action to deny vital public assistance to non-citizens who are lawfully resident in this country. A s a result of recent legislation, at least one million legal immigrants stand to lose benefits such as Food Stamps, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and other federal benefits. Moreover, states are now permitted, if not encouraged, to impose further restrictions, barring non-citizens from programs that care for the disabled and combat domestic violence and child abuse. In many cases, these immigrants are paying the same taxes as other Americans.
Legal immigrants are also eligible to be drafted in wartime.
T he United States has always led the world in welcoming immigrants. That proud tradition is now in question. I cannot stand idly by and watch this happen. Named for the poet whose words adorn the Statue of Liberty, the bulk of the Fund will be used for direct assistance to legal immigrants. T he Emma Lazarus Fund will focus on three areas of activity.