[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 2003 IMMIGRANT WORKERS FREEDOM RIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize one of 
the most significant civil rights movements I have had the privilege of 
supporting. On September 20, 2003, buses in nine major U.S. cities will 
take hundreds of immigrant workers and their allies on a cross country 
expedition to Washington, D.C. and New York City. The Immigrant Workers 
Freedom Ride of 2003 will mark an important moment in the history of 
our great nation.
  Inspired by the freedom rides of the 1960s, the Immigrant Workers 
Freedom Ride (IWFR) will promote the civil rights of our immigrant 
population and help educate the public and elected officials about new 
requirements in immigration policy. IWFR hopes to help immigrant 
workers, living and paying taxes in the United States, to: (1) legalize 
their status; (2) have a clear road to citizenship; (3) reunify their 
families; (4) have a voice on the job regardless of legal status; and 
(5) enjoy full protection of the civil rights and civil liberties for 
all.
  I also want to recognize the exceptional leadership of Maria Elena 
Durazo, David Glaser, and the sponsoring committees and individuals of 
the IWFR. Without their hard work the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride 
would not be possible. These two individuals and their sponsors 
exemplify the true meaning of leadership and stewardship.
  The IWFR will not only help draw a new map for U.S. immigrants 
seeking citizenship, but it will also celebrate the American dream, the 
dream of becoming a citizen of the United States of America.
  I am privileged to recognize the 2003 Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride 
as an excellent example of the freedom our great country provides.

                          ____________________