Hilda L. Solis: “today I rise to reemphasize the need for immigration reform in the United States. In recent days, we have heard lengthy…”

“today I rise to reemphasize the need for immigration reform in the United States. In recent days, we have heard lengthy discussions from opponents and proponents on this issue. I want to make sure that the people, the hardworking immigrants and the many families that I represent, are not lost in that debate. Millions of immigrants have lived here for an extended period of time. They go to work every single day. They pay taxes just like you and me. They own homes and many own businesses, and many have played by the rules. They also have children who are U.S. citizens. These people deserve respect. They deserve to be acknowledged for the many contributions that they have made to this great country. Mexican President Vicente Fox has done a superb job of highlighting the need for immigration reform. He recognizes the immense contributions all immigrants make to the U.S. economy and to foreign economies such as his own, and a majority of U.S. citizens recognize the important contributions that immigrants have made to this country. A recent bipartisan poll found that 62 percent of voters support legalization for immigrants who pay taxes, break no laws, and play by the rules. I ask for this Congress to begin discussions, as President Fox stated yesterday at the White House, to begin discussions on immigration reform.”