[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E92]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO EDUARDO PALACIOS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 1998

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to my good 
friend Eduardo Palacios, who for 27 years has been a bona fide hero to 
hundreds if not thousands of immigrants in the San Fernando Valley. In 
1971, Eduardo started an immigrant rights and resource clinic in a tiny 
one-room office in the City of San Fernando. Today these kinds of 
centers are common, but that wasn't the case in the early 1970s.
  Eduardo was motivated by humanitarian concerns and a strong sense of 
Chicano pride. He witnessed Mexican immigrants who were being exploited 
by unscrupulous businesses. Language and culture prevented many from 
seeking or receiving help. By offering his services, Eduardo filled a 
huge need.
  Soon after opening, the clinic moved into a room with a couple of 
desks and file cabinets in Santa Rosa Church. The clinic adopted the 
name Immigration Services of Santa Rosa. Using a corps of dedicated 
volunteers, Eduardo expanded the clinic to include job referrals, 
medical assistance, food and shelter. He was doing everything possible 
to provide his clients with the tools to make a good living in this 
country.
  It's hard to believe that Eduardo was doing this work while employed 
full-time at Harshaw Chemicals. In 1983, he left his job with Harshaw 
to devote himself to assisting immigrants. Two years later Immigration 
Services of Santa Rosa was accredited by the Board of Immigration 
Appeals, which led to more clients. The timing could not have been 
better; new arrivals were now coming to Southern California from 
Central America as well as Mexico.
  Immigration Services of Santa Rosa is a family affair. In 1988, 
Eduardo hired his daughter, Victoria Aldina, as Assistant Executive 
Director; three years later his son, Carl Alan, joined the organization 
as Administrative Director. Together the Palacios have been a godsend 
for Spanish-speaking immigrants.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in saluting Eduardo Palacios, a 
leader in the effort to improve the lives of immigrants. His 
compassion, sensitivity and extraordinary energy inspire us all. I am 
proud to be his friend.

                          ____________________