[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 176 (Tuesday, October 31, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JORGE L. BARON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 31, 2017

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jorge L. Baron 
for his exemplary work on behalf of immigrant communities and to 
congratulate him on receiving El Centro de la Raza's 7th Annual Roberto 
Felipe Maestas Legacy Award.
  Jorge has served as the Executive Director of the Northwest Immigrant 
Rights Project (NWIRP) since 2008. NWIRP provides free or low-cost 
legal representation to over 10,000 immigrant and refugee families in 
the Pacific Northwest. With Jorge at the helm, the organization has 
steadily increased its size and budget and is now the largest of its 
kind in the region. Serving thousands of immigrants each year, Jorge 
and his colleagues at NWIRP believe that having access to an attorney 
is a fundamental human right. They strive to represent as many 
immigrant families as possible.
  Jorge immigrated from Bogota, Columbia when he was just thirteen 
years old. After graduating from Duke University, he worked in the film 
industry for several years until finding his passion for human rights 
law. He then attended Yale Law School. From his unique perspective on 
the immigration system, he not only understands the law, but also 
understands the hopes, fears, and needs that a new generation of 
immigrants face today.
  Jorge's many accomplishments include helping to secure the return of 
two individuals who were turned away from Seattle-Tacoma International 
Airport due to President Trump's travel ban, and defending the rights 
of detained immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
  The Roberto Felipe Maestas Legacy Award honors the legacy of Roberto 
Maestas by recognizing those who are dedicated to ``building the 
beloved community'' and eliminating poverty, racism, and social 
inequity. Jorge's work exemplifies these standards.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize Jorge Baron 
for his vital advocacy efforts on behalf of the immigrant community. I 
have no doubt Jorge will continue to advance human rights in the 
Pacific Northwest for many years to come.

                          ____________________