Hilda L. Solis: “I was moved to put forward legislation on this issue because we have several young soldiers that are in my district that…”

“I was moved to put forward legislation on this issue because we have several young soldiers that are in my district that are serving now, but one in particular, Francisco Martinez Flores, who actually lost his life. He lost his life just 2 weeks short of becoming a U.S. citizen. Most of his family is here legally, with the exception of his father. Without this piece of legislation, his father is out there on his own for the time being, and it would take a while for him to become a U.S. citizen. I am very appreciative of the work that has taken place on the bill. Thirty-seven thousand legal permanent residents will be eligible, through this legislation, in 1 year to become citizens, and their family members. That is first and foremost in my mind in terms of what we need to do for the families. I had a chance to meet with several of those families in my own district, many of whom are waiting, wanting their children to come home and hoping they do come home.”