Roland Gutierrez: “I come here thinking this is really a good bill, and at the same time, knowing and understanding that we had a better…”

“I come here thinking this is really a good bill, and at the same time, knowing and understanding that we had a better bill until last night, a bill which balanced the needs of our immigration policy; a bill that said 245(i) would be part of this bill. I remember when I and other Members of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus early in this first term of President Bush met with the President, and he agreed to support 245(i). I remember once again when 245(i) ended in April 30 of this year, when I was heartened to hear the President of the United States come forward and say that we are going to continue with 245(i) and we are going to extend this important bill. Many in America may ask, just what does it do? It allows families to stay together. It allows American citizens to get the permanent residency for their wives. It allows citizens of this country and permanent residents legally here in this country to allow their wives and their children, and yes, their moms and dads, their very immediate family, to stay here and not be separated.”