William H. Frist: “the debate and discussion today has been superb in terms of addressing the overall issue of border security and…”

“the debate and discussion today has been superb in terms of addressing the overall issue of border security and immigration. It centers on the issue of security, of the economy itself, social issues, and issues of compassion. The amendment I have just proposed is an amendment that focuses on the latter; that is, the issue of compassion. Over the past decade more than 3,000 men, women, and children have died along our borders. These deaths represent an immense humanitarian tragedy, a tragedy that all too often is shuffled off into the corner. While we have an obligation to protect our borders--and much of our discussion over the last 24 hours has been on the absolute critical importance of securing those borders--I think we have even a higher obligation to protect and preserve the life of every person who sets foot on American soil. The people who die come here searching for a better life. They are not bad people. There are people such as Matias Garcia. Mr. Garcia was the oldest of five children. He left school at the age of 8 to work in the fields. It is a story which is not too uncommon today. Each year he would cross that border illegally, unfortunately, coming into this country to enter California. In the spring of 2003, he started crossing that border in May--one of the hottest months of the summer. A coyote--a human smuggler--left him with only 2 gallons of water. It wasn't enough.…”