[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 1314-1315]
[From the U.S. 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on behalf of the 14 million 
undocumented immigrants who would otherwise not have a voice.
  Immigrants are not only a valuable part of our country's workforce, 
but they also add to America's rich diversity. Sadly, immigration raids 
tear apart immigrant families, instill fear, and disrespects America's 
core family values.
  We are a Nation devoted to family. No one should live in fear of 
being taken away from their homes. Strong border enforcement is 
necessary, but this only addresses part of the situation. Together, we 
must work to address the 12 to 14 million undocumented immigrants. 
Every day that we

[[Page 1315]]

do nothing, a family is torn apart by this broken immigration system.
  Our current immigration system is outdated. We need a system that 
addresses the needs of the current immigration situation in America.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in passing real comprehensive 
immigration reform.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, the honeymoon is over. Let's begin to 
address comprehensive immigration on behalf of the 12 to 14 million 
people here in the United States.

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