[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              URGING REFORM OF OUR INEPT IMMIGRATION LAWS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to implore my colleagues to 
review, and subsequently ameliorate, the current state of immigration 
law. After the failure of this Congress to enact sensible, 
compassionate, and effective immigration reform last year, selective--
and at times nonsensica--enforcement has been the rule. It has meant, 
in the face of inaction and silence on the part of the Federal 
Government, fragmented and contradictory responses from local 
municipalities, ranging from establishing sanctuary cities to 
conducting incessant, violent, and sometimes illogical raids and 
deportations. Waiting is no longer a suitable solution, particularly 
not for those hardworking undocumented immigrants, free of any criminal 
record, who live every day in fear, and certainly not for those legal 
immigrants who committed long-ago misdemeanors and become victims to 
the fervor for increased deportations.
  A New York CARIB News June 3 article, ``Deportation Hanging Over West 
Indian's Head,'' reports the case of the deputy chief of staff to a 
prominent New York City Council member--a legal resident--who now faces 
deportation because of a minor drug offense he committed 20 years ago 
as an 18-year-old. The law was meant to apply to those immigrants who 
have committed serious offenses, but in today's climate, it is 
increasingly being used against persons convicted of rather small 
crimes, like shoplifting. These are legal residents, having now become 
model citizens, who have built lives in this country and have none 
elsewhere, committing small-time crimes years ago as teenagers and 
finding themselves in deportation proceedings. This is just one example 
of an American immigration system that proves illogical, demands 
fixing, and provides blanket judgment as opposed to reasoned case-by-
case due process.
  As we forestall meaningful action on immigration, good Americans 
suffer. I urge that we get back to work on this most imperative issue, 
and do what's right for this country and its residents.

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