[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 138 (Thursday, October 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IMMIGRANT WORKERS FREEDOM RIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2003

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express how thrilled I am to 
honor the immigrant workers for making their courageous journey across 
the country to fight for equality and civil rights. Modeled after the 
1961 Freedom Rides of the U.S. civil rights movement, today's Immigrant 
Workers Freedom Riders are converging in Washington, D.C., after having 
visited cities and towns across America to raise awareness about the 
plight of immigrant workers.
  This country was founded and built by immigrants. They are still the 
backbone of our country and we must continue to fight for their civil 
rights and immigration reform. Like countless Americans throughout our 
history, the Freedom Riders visiting our nation's capital today are 
seeking to fulfill their American Dream. They work hard and contribute 
tremendously to our country, and to our economy. They deserve fair and 
equal treatment.
  We must come together to continue to educate our communities about 
the plight of these workers, and to end the injustices and indignities 
these immigrants face daily.
  The Immigrant Worker Freedom Ride is sponsored by a large coalition 
of religious groups, labor unions, immigrant advocates, and civil 
rights organizations. State legislators and political leaders across 
the country have endorsed the Freedom Ride, including the Congressional 
Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and 
the Congressional Black Caucus.
  There are many members of Congress like myself, who support efforts 
for meaningful and long overdue reforms such as: Providing a ``Road to 
Citizenship'' for immigrant workers, reuniting families in a timely 
fashion by streamlining our outdated immigration policies, and 
protecting and restoring workplace rights for immigrants.
  Together, we will ensure that our message of equality and human 
dignity is heard. We will educate other members of Congress, and 
convince them to join our efforts.

                          ____________________