And within the next two months I will hold a conference of the mayors and county officials from these states to convene in New York City to discuss the impact of the anti-immigrant sentiment of the new welfare law. We then will take the ideas and information obtained from this conference and make a strong appeal to Washington. Our cities have long been the engines of the American economy, and immigration is the fuel that powers those engines. America is an immigrant nation with a long, proud tradition of inclusion and diversity. This tradition has helped America grow into the world's leading economic power.
Fair competition is at the heart of the American philosophy.
And immigration clearly helps New York City compete. So there is really no reason for the punitive anti-immigration legislation that we are now seeing in Washington. It is a negative philosophy that sees people as liabilities. However, the vast majority of Americans have an optimistic view of humanity, seeing people as assets who contribute and create opportunities. Now, we must do the same, and stand up to today's isolationist movement, ensuring that America's next century is as prosperous as the last.