Roland Gutierrez: “when we talk about real Latino and immigrant fairness, whom are we talking about? We are talking about legislation…”

“when we talk about real Latino and immigrant fairness, whom are we talking about? We are talking about legislation crucial to immigrants from all backgrounds, from all countries, to every American who understands that our country was built by people from around the world, that it once offered sanctuary to those fleeing the dangers around the world. I am gratified that many of my colleagues have joined me in cosponsoring legislation to rectify this crisis, to protect people who have fled political violence in Central America and the Caribbean, to provide relief to immigrants who have resided in the U.S. since 1986 and some decades before, including many of those who were wrongly turned away admittedly by the INS and Immigration officials when they sought their permanent adjustment, and to reinstate a family-based visa program 245(i) program. Instead, we are left with so-called ``LIFE'' bill, a bill that was hatched by Republicans in the last 24 hours. Let me tell my colleagues, this LIFE bill is rife with errors, most notably, the error of omission. An immigration bill that does not address the issue of parity for all Central Americans is not worth the paper it is printed on. It is unworthy of serious discussion other than sharp criticism. It is a relic of Cold War politics. Because immigrants and Latinos, among them millions of voters, will not be deceived by this ploy, will not be dissuaded from our goal nor divided from each other.”