José E. Serrano: “I rise in support of H.R. 1885, the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, that is before the House…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1885, the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, that is before the House today. This bill will extend Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act to certain immigrants as well as incorporate the provisions of H.R. 3525 which would help us in our fight against terrorism by generally strengthening border security. I voted for both of these bills in the past and continue to support their goals as represented in today's bill. I support today's bill because it recognizes, at least on a limited level, the needs of certain immigrants who have strong ties here, have families here, have jobs and pay taxes here. This bill is also important because it recognizes that we must protect ourselves against further terrorist threats. However, though on 245(i) this is a step forward, we must recognize that is only a small step. As I have said before and will say again, the 245(i) debate is not over. While this bill extends 245(i) to immigrants who were physically in the United States on December 21, 2000, and have established family or work ties on or before August 15, 2001, that is not enough. We must work for permanent reinstatement of 245(i). This bill today will move us in the right direction, but we need to work on a permanent solution.”