By Mae M. Cheng
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
July 24, 2003
Washington - For the first time since their release from immigration detention more than six years ago, 36 men who were aboard the Golden Venture smuggling ship gathered yesterday to speak to congressional representatives in the hopes of pushing through an amnesty bill granting them permanent residency in the United States.
Instead of getting a captive audience of legislators, however, the men received a quick civics lesson: Sometimes, lawmakers are too busy to listen to the little guy.
Despite having invited some two dozen legislators, Rep. Todd Platts (R-Pa.), the sponsor of the amnesty bill, was the only legislator who showed up. Another Pennsylvania legislator sent a representative.
"When these people travel from all over the country, somebody should have the courtesy to show up," said Beverly Church, the Gettysburg, Pa., paralegal who organized the gathering and who explained to the men that the busy legislative day was probably the reason why more congressional members did not show.
The men, who took days off from work and traveled from New York City as well as Ohio, New Jersey and California, were cordial about the cool reception.
"I would still appreciate it even if they don't come, if they would still support us," said Seng Qiao Cheng, 29, one of the immigrants.
"I am asking Congress to help me get legal status so I can be reunited with my wife and son," said Wang Wu Dong, 51, a passenger on the Golden Venture who was deported to China and snuck back to the United States in 1998.
Immigration officials said they completed background checks on many of the men named in the amnesty bill and have forwarded their findings to the House immigration subcommittee, where the legislation sits. However, they have not been able to complete all the background checks because some of the immigrants cannot be located.
The Golden Venture ran aground 10 years ago off the Rockaways carrying 300 undocumented immigrants from China. Ten people died trying to get to shore, and while some of the passengers were deported, a number of others were detained for four years and have been fighting to gain permanent residency.
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
July 24, 2003
Washington - For the first time since their release from immigration detention more than six years ago, 36 men who were aboard the Golden Venture smuggling ship gathered yesterday to speak to congressional representatives in the hopes of pushing through an amnesty bill granting them permanent residency in the United States.
Instead of getting a captive audience of legislators, however, the men received a quick civics lesson: Sometimes, lawmakers are too busy to listen to the little guy.
Despite having invited some two dozen legislators, Rep. Todd Platts (R-Pa.), the sponsor of the amnesty bill, was the only legislator who showed up. Another Pennsylvania legislator sent a representative.
"When these people travel from all over the country, somebody should have the courtesy to show up," said Beverly Church, the Gettysburg, Pa., paralegal who organized the gathering and who explained to the men that the busy legislative day was probably the reason why more congressional members did not show.
The men, who took days off from work and traveled from New York City as well as Ohio, New Jersey and California, were cordial about the cool reception.
"I would still appreciate it even if they don't come, if they would still support us," said Seng Qiao Cheng, 29, one of the immigrants.
"I am asking Congress to help me get legal status so I can be reunited with my wife and son," said Wang Wu Dong, 51, a passenger on the Golden Venture who was deported to China and snuck back to the United States in 1998.
Immigration officials said they completed background checks on many of the men named in the amnesty bill and have forwarded their findings to the House immigration subcommittee, where the legislation sits. However, they have not been able to complete all the background checks because some of the immigrants cannot be located.
The Golden Venture ran aground 10 years ago off the Rockaways carrying 300 undocumented immigrants from China. Ten people died trying to get to shore, and while some of the passengers were deported, a number of others were detained for four years and have been fighting to gain permanent residency.