[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 56 (Friday, March 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMUNITY FORUMS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE CONCERNS ON IMMIGRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call on all Members of 
the House to listen to each other's concerns so that we can reach an 
agreement on comprehensive immigration reform.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of the bipartisan legislation authored 
by Congressman Gutierrez and Congressman Flake, H.R. 1645.
  Recently, I held a teleconference forum with District business 
leaders, law enforcement officers, I.C.E. and Border Patrol agents, and 
representatives from the Arizona Department of Corrections and Governor 
Napolitano's office.
  Their concerns included needing more help with the burden of 
incarcerating illegal immigrants, having trouble finding workers, and 
requiring assistance with a quick, easy-to-use employee verification 
system, among other issues.
  Over the next two weeks in the district, I will be holding additional 
community forums, so people can tell me what they think needs to be 
done about our Nation's immigration crisis.
  I look forward to hearing from members of my community on every side 
of the issue--immigrant rights activists, business leaders, the 
Minutemen, law enforcement, ranchers, and local residents.
  Border Patrol Chief David Aguilar will also be joining me in the 
District to hear from folks on the front lines of this issue.
  After listening to a range of experts and local residents, I will 
recommend possible improvements before we vote on any legislation.
  What is clear to me is that the illegal immigration crisis is complex 
and impacts almost every aspect of our lives in Arizona. Therefore, a 
piecemeal approach will not work.
  If we truly want to secure the border and end illegal immigration, we 
must pass a common-sense bill that will address every part of the 
problem.

                          ____________________