[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H2838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BACA. America recently elected not just the first African 
American to serve as President but also the son of an immigrant. Yet, 
the positive contributions of immigrants never seem to make it through 
the smoke of politics that blurs the issue of immigrant reform.
  We must not forget that we are a Nation built by immigrants. Today, 
there are 12 to 14 million undocumented, hardworking immigrants 
contributing to our economy.
  As we struggle to rebuild our economy, we must not forget that a 
comprehensive immigration reform is needed to bring out of the shadows 
hardworking immigrants. We must make sure that all workers are on a 
level of playing field and that the exploitation of undocumented 
immigrant workers ends.
  We must make sure that unscrupulous employers are punished and that 
families are respected.
  I urge my colleagues to work with me and for the President to keep 
his word and work towards comprehensive immigration reform.

                          ____________________