[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 35 (Thursday, March 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       CROSS PARTY LINES TO PASS COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

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                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2007

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express a measured 
degree of optimism that Congress will pass a comprehensive immigration 
reform package this year.
  A Senate bill is likely to be unveiled as early as next week, and I 
would hope that the House will follow soon after with our version.
  To be effective, this legislation must include provisions for 
increased border security, more support for border patrol agents, 
sanctions for employers that knowingly hire illegal immigrants, 
compensation for border communities, and a guest worker program.
  In my district in Southern Arizona, the need for reform is critical. 
In 2006, 4,000 illegal immigrants a day crossed the border into 
Arizona. Our schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies are 
overwhelmed. Our environment and homeland security are threatened.
  We must work across party lines to pass comprehensive immigration 
reform so we can focus our attention on those crossing the border who 
wish to do America harm: drug smugglers, human smugglers, and 
terrorists.
  I also want to thank the outgoing chief of the Tucson sector border 
patrol, Michael Nicley, for his service and hard work. All of us in 
Southern Arizona appreciate his dedication. I welcome Robert Gilbert as 
the new chief, and I look forward to working closely with him on this 
important issue.

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