[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 51 (Friday, March 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    PUT ASIDE PARTISANSHIP TO PASS COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

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                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 23, 2007

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that we in the House of 
Representatives finally have a comprehensive immigration reform bill 
that we can debate, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bipartisan 
legislation authored by Congressman Gutierrez and Congressman Flake.
  Members in this chamber now have the opportunity to pass a bill that 
will secure the border and end our nation's illegal immigration crisis.
  Given that the challenge of illegal immigration is complex, the 
solution must address all aspects of this problem--border security, the 
hiring of illegal immigrants, labor shortages in certain sectors of our 
economy, and the millions of illegal immigrants currently living in the 
United States.
  A piecemeal approach will simply not work. If we truly want to end 
illegal immigration, the only option is to pass a comprehensive bill 
that is tough, practical, and effective.
  I stand here today ready to work with members of both parties, ready 
to listen to everyone's concerns, and steadfast in my conviction that, 
if we can put aside partisanship and compromise with each other, we can 
reach an agreement.
  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.
  In the weeks ahead, I will be holding several forums on this 
legislation in my district, so I can receive feedback from the folks on 
the front lines of the immigration crisis. After listening to a range 
of experts and local residents, I will recommend possible improvements 
before we vote on this bill.

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