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Ellis Island, N.Y. - U.S. Congressman Steve King, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law, participated in a field hearing at Ellis Island. King heard testimony from seven witnesses concerning the future of immigration in America.
“Ellis Island is a place of significant historical value, not only for America, but for my family in particular. My grandmother entered the United States through Ellis Island on March 26, 1894.
I admire my ancestors, who respected the laws of the country they hoped to call home, and entered the United States legally,” stated King.
According to the Department of Homeland Security 2005 Yearbook of Immigration Statistics, between 1820 and 2000, nearly 66 million immigrants came to the United States. Twelve million of those came through Ellis Island during its years of operation, 1892 to 1954. The same number of immigrants would enter this country in the next 20 years if Congress passes legislation similar to what the Senate passed last year.
“Such a frenzied rush of immigration would be unmanageable, making assimilation and common use of the English language relics of the past,” observed King.
We must have an immigration and naturalization policy that promotes assimilation, establishes English as the official language, and that rewards those who respect the rule of law. If we seek to enhance the economic, social, and cultural well-being of the United States of America for all citizens, present and future, amnesty is not an option.”
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