[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1390-E1391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ALIEN CHILD ORGAN TRANSPLANT ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction 
of the ``Alien Child Organ Transplant Act of 2002'', a bill that would 
provide coverage under the medicaid program for organ transplant 
procedures. Under my bill, children under 18 years of age who are 
currently residing in this country and develop a medical condition that 
requires an organ transplant would be able to receive Medicaid coverage 
for the procedure.
  Many of my colleagues may not be aware of this, but current law does 
not allow legal permanent residents to receive Medicare coverage for a 
live-saving measure such as an organ transplant. And I am referring to 
legal permanent residents, that is, immigrants who are here legally.
  Melannie Veliz is such an immigrant. Melannie has cystic fibrosis and 
the disease has left her with only marginal lung function. She is very 
ill and her lung capacity is about one-third of what it should be. In 
her delicate state, she is susceptible to bronchitis and infections. 
This means she has trouble, sometimes, playing. Sometimes, she can't go 
to school or be with her friends. She can rarely do the things that 
every child deserves. No matter where he or she was born.
  Melannie, is an 11-year old student at Smith School in Aurora, 
Illinois. She lives with her parents, Christian and Johanna, and her 
younger brother. Melannie, who was born in Chile, traveled here with 
her family on visas, as required by the law. Unlike most immigrants who 
come to America seeking a better life, the Veliz family came to America 
not simply seeking a better life-- but life. Life for Melannie.
  The Veliz family came here looking for life-saving procedures that 
were not available in Chile. Unfortunately, although their entry into 
this country was completely within the law-- the laws of this nation 
have kept Melannie from becoming healthy. I am referring to the current 
punitive laws and harsh rules which prohibit people, including 
children, from accessing key public services, including Medicaid, due 
simply to their immigration status.
  Melannie's health can be improved and her life could be saved through 
a double lung transplant. The procedure is risky but can be done. Her 
dream of a better life is not being blocked by medical technology. No. 
Melannie's immediate dream was denied because she is not able to 
participate in the Medicaid program.
  However, thanks to the initial enterprising spirit of Melannie's 
teacher, Maria Lopez, her supporters were able to obtain significant 
donations to secure the operation. The goal at the time was $309,000. 
This was before the hospital decided that the original estimates were 
inaccurate and that at least $450,000 would be needed to ensure that 
Melannie would receive the necessary aftercare. But the human spirit 
never gives up. And nobody gave up in the quest to secure the needed 
funds. Fundraising efforts were so successful, thanks in no small 
measure to the direct involvement of the Cacique Foundation, that 
Melannie and her supporters have now secured more than the $450,000 
needed for the operation.
  As a Member of Congress, I pledge to continue my fight in defense of 
the rights of immigrants specially those who, like Melannie, are very 
young and most vulnerable. I will continue to compel my colleagues to 
recognize that the harsh penalties that they impose on people because 
of their immigrant status can--and must--be overturned.
  Not simply for the health of those kids who are affected by these 
laws, but for the health of our nation, so that we can truly live up to 
the standard of decency that we so often attribute to America.
  Melannie has been fortunate enough to benefit from generous donors, 
but she has been a victim of the not-so-generous laws. She has

[[Page E1391]]

lost precious months having to raise this money and her health has 
deteriorated. But even with all the uncertainties of the delicate 
transplant operation that awaits her, Melannie is one of the lucky 
ones. She can now pay for her operation. Other immigrant children are 
not this lucky. And those who are not fortunate enough to have a 
teacher like Ms. Lopez, a community like our Latino community and the 
support of a nation-wide network, may never have a chance to live.
  The goal of this bill is quite simple: to save children's lives.
  My bill seeks to give all children a chance, regardless of their 
country of origin. A fighting chance to live. Please join me in support 
of the ``Alien Child Organ Transplant Act of 2002.''

                          ____________________