Hilda L. Solis: “as a proud daughter of immigrants, I rise today to echo the message of immigrant families across America in support of…”

“as a proud daughter of immigrants, I rise today to echo the message of immigrant families across America in support of comprehensive immigration reform. This past weekend, I took part in the largest demonstration that has ever taken place in California, in the area of Los Angeles, since the Vietnam War. Half a million people, if not a million, marched peacefully to let the Senate know that an enforcement-only border protection approach will not solve our broken immigration system. Nearly 40,000 students across Southern California and some from my district even marched to defend human rights and immigration reform. I urge them to return to their classrooms and empower themselves through education to make a difference in their future. President Bush said, ``Immigration is an important topic. We need to maintain our perspective. At its core immigration is a sign of a confident and successful Nation.'' Our Nation needs laws that protect our borders, embrace our families, and provide earned legalization for law-abiding immigrants. Immigrant families are an important part of our social fabric and economy. Our Nation should not turn its back and ignore their needs. ____________________”