James Ziglar
eeting our responsibilities to the nation has never been easy, and the tragic events of Sept. 11 have made it even more difficult. These events have profoundly changed the climate and culture which INS and other agencies operate. I came to this job with the philosophy that the United States ought to welcome immigrants-to do everything within our power to make sure that our country remains a beacon of hope and freedom for people around the world. Even in the face of deadly terrorist attacks, that belief not only is unshaken, it's stronger.
I have said it before, and I will say it again and again: The events of Sept. 11 were caused by evil, not by immigration. Therefore, efforts to enhance our national security must focus on identifying and thwarting those who are intent on tearing us down, not on preventing the many millions worldwide who are eager for an opportunity to join us in building our nation.
Demands for swift, dramatic action are understandable; no one wants a repeat of what happened on Sept. 11. However, it is imperative that our response be guided by a commitment to do what is right and effective, not by what make us feel better at the moment.
-Feb. 1, 2002
Speaking at the National Immigration Forum.