[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24139-24140]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           SUPPORTING GOALS OF IMMIGRANT WORKERS FREEDOM RIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2003

  Mr. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, hundreds of immigrant workers 
all over the country converged in Washington on their way to New York 
City as part of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride. They are here to 
raise awareness about the plight of immigrant workers.
  Over the years, the United States has been called a nation of 
immigrants. The fact that we are a melting pot for so many different 
cultures, races and religions makes us unique in the world. It has 
helped mold our national character. For more than 300 years, various 
ethnic, cultural, and social groups have come to our shores to reunite 
with their loved ones, to seek economic opportunity, and to find a 
haven from religious and political persecution. They bring their hopes 
and dreams and in turn, contribute, enrich and energize America.
  In my home state of Minnesota, immigrants have worked hard to 
establish a rich culture and strong economy.
  Many immigrants in my state become American citizens. In 2002, over 
5,400 immigrants became American citizens in Minnesota. Sixty-five 
percent of immigrants in my state who are eligible for naturalization 
become citizens.
  These new Americans work hard, pay taxes and make indispensable 
contributions to our economy. Through their tax payments, they help 
finance the costs of schools, health care, roads, welfare payments, 
Social Security, and the nation's defense.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of a resolution introduced by my 
colleagues Representatives Hilda Solis and Mike Honda supporting the 
goals of the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride: to create a clear road to 
citizenship for all immigrant workers, allow workers to reunite their 
families, ensure immigrants' civil rights and liberties, and protect 
the rights of immigrants in the workplace.
  Our country was founded on the strength of our immigrant communities. 
A strong immigration system is a sign of a confident and successful 
nation, and we should welcome those who, in that spirit, seek to make 
the United States their home.

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