[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24141]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             SUPPORTING THE IMMIGRANT WORKERS FREEDOM RIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2003

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to give tribute to the Immigrant 
Freedom Ride. These immigrants have crossed the country to ask Congress 
to allow them a process for naturalization, increase the number of 
visas for family reunification, and to protect the civil and labor 
rights of immigrants.
  Immigrants need a process to earn legal status. These immigrants work 
hard, pay taxes, and want to be productive legal members of our 
society.
  Many immigrants live in solitude. Work and send their money home so 
that their children and families can survive. That is why immigrants 
need more visas so we can reunite families. No parent should be forced 
out of necessity to miss out on the life of his or her child.
  And, we must protect the civil rights of all immigrants--including 
the undocumented. Too many immigrant workers are fired if they speak up 
about labor violations. Labor protections should apply to all workers, 
not just citizens. These demands are just.
  Immigrants break their backs picking our fruits and vegetables, 
building our homes, and making our clothes. But, they will no longer be 
silent. They demand fair treatment.
  This is a wakeup call. Immigrants are angry and will not be silent 
anymore.
  I support the ideals of the Immigrant Freedom Ride and aim to help 
immigrants achieve these goals.

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