Transcripts For CSPAN2 Capital News Today 20130724

Act and it talks about the free flow of commerce. Making sure that we take steps to safeguard commerce from injury impairments or interruption that is on the negative side. But then at the very end, the first section of the act that says it is declared to be the policy of the United States to laminate the causes of certain substantial obstruction with the free flow of commons to mitigate and eliminate encouraging the practice of collective bargaining and the procedure of collective bargaining. So its very important we have each of you in place and we have a functioning board and or willingness to serve and it will ensure that we have a functioning board for all of the reasons set forth. It is vitally important that we get this done. And i wanted to ask in the short time that i have about two minutes. The number of aspects for your record and your work and your history and you could focus on one or two Life Experiences in political and governmental experiences that you have had that would particularly focus on your ability to have objective balance and we dont ask for you to be a machine that you can achieve scientific certainty to be balanced. No one of us has a perfect balance. It will give us a clue as to how we will be balanced in this role. When i worked at the National Labor Relations Board in detroit, as i indicated in a representative of the Regional Office there, some of the things that i did was conduct secret ballot elections and most of them were part of the ballot so that we could have it. The representatives would announce the results. It was an amazing part of this and we always have the opportunity to do that. When i was involved in collective bargaining situations where we had to have one practice when determinidetermini ng those benefits, we represented those retirees and we needed to be able to reach across the table and reach an agreement about what would happen to their health care in a way that could be resolved that we would be able to be able to do that. To be able to provide those benefits financially and that is part of contingency and the coverage in their retirement. Part of this in the early 80s, it was also a difficult economic. Not. We were in the city of an Upper Peninsula of michigan and it was a one horse town and the one horse was leaving. The workers would be able to read glue blue and retrain and find new jobs and whatever that they needed to do because all of a sudden their whole lives were being changed as well. We did that and we have accomplished this. Hearing this makes me wish that i had worked in the detroit Regional Office. One of the best experiences, kinds of experiences that i have had during my many years in private practice was a union cocouncil members to jointly help the benefits and they are on several different funds and i had the opportunity to work very closely with my management cocounsel who is also generally the representative of the employer of the Employer Association and collective bargaining matters. And with the union and with the employer trustees. These were really common problems for the health funds. And what do we do with the rising cost of health care with the retirement funds, it was how to handle the investment. In order to try to maximize the benefits that you can provide the environment can be very challenging sometimes. Nothing beats the cooperation in trying to achieve those goals. I. I actually enjoyed listening to your comments and it would be nice to achieve the scientific certainty that our folks show. It is part of the objectives in this process it is an important part of the equation that i think is noteworthy. The nlrb is not designed to be an extension of the president. I hope that we all realize we are becoming mutual arbiters and this has been anything but mutual and we have experience in the work force that allows you to take a look at things and your availability as well as your objective we just heard you talk about this and we testified twice before congress in a position where you dont necessarily like these concepts or the 18 years that he spent working at the department of the united autoworkers as recently as 2004 when you were a member of the uaw 1981. I used to do you believe in this act in 2007 and you said that the nl are a was being used as a sword. And you also said that the nlra also no longer protects workers rights. In the and the comments he made about employers have gone from this to spy and harass and intimidate and suppress. It seems to me that there is a per perspective that may have been tainted on one side or the other in 2010 and commented that we really need to streamline the election process. So this is very important in the formation of it and the fact is that we have a low target and it seems to indicate a strong position for what we call an election process which only takes about 10 days. One of my favorites, of course, is the tax on the House Republicans in 2012 that i was a part of it i think it was my bill specifically that prohibited the mlrb to move jobs to another state that is in order to deny workers their right in that place such an important part of this. The nlrb has a number of weapons in their arsenal it wouldve eliminated the opportunity to transfer jobs back to washington. Somehow someway there was an elimination of jobs and there were 2000 jobs added while we were adding 5000 jobs in South Carolina. So my real question is the same question we have heard a number of times. Which is how can we have a high level of confidence of objectivity or impartiality or what we used to call the neutral arbiter of the nlrb. As i stated, i started my work at my career as a lawyer. I have been primarily involved in nlra traditional issues for 37 years. But i started up a National Relations labor board and i started being and my point is that i take this very seriously and i understand the importance of doing the job in the appropriately and i did that when i was at the National Labor Relations Board and i hope that i do that when you united autoworkers for the aflcio and personal experiences. I certainly understand your point. I would just say that the classification of employers creates an environment that is inconsistent with most of the employers that we have had the opportunity to converse with and i would just love. Especially when we have this opportunity to confirm this. It can be viewed as a fair and honest broker in these cases. I am committing to working with the staff to developing good relationships and i have some experience with that already. To develop that with the other Board Members so that we can have production and take advantage of the differing backgrounds and experiences because we bring them to reach a fair decision that is viewed that way so that people will have confidence in the board and that will be my role as a member of the board two thank you, maam. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I want to thank both of you were agreeing to serve on the nlrb. It was created to protect americans rights under the nlra. However board vacancies are threatening this 10 months ago the board issued a decision about the dc circuit decision. And it still has not been rehired and she is still awaiting money in back pay. I am sure that you are aware of many similar cases in a world in which the Senate Confirms the nlrb nominees in a timely manner and what should the process have been like for someone like this compared to how it actually played out for her . The board should have been able to obtain prompt enforcement of the Order Granting the remedy. And it would have if it didnt have to contend with the quorum issues. That is what is at stake here as well. I like what you have said in your testimony that has been referred to, hearing another employee described this as proactive, not prounion or promanagement. We have heard so much today about the potential bias that you might have because you work for the board of the nlrb or the chair. In the history of the nlrb, other than people who have been nominated and confirmed, those who have been working for labor and have there been people who have worked for management . Had that happen before ever . Yes, i think the most recent members of the board have either been management this is not the first time that has happened. And one of the members of the board came directly from the labor policy and directly from the chamber of commerce. So the decision is was unanimous. Is that correct. Yes, that is correct. So that would suggest to me that once you are a member of the nlrb, youre able to set aside maybe the issues that come before you that are clearcut enough and are such that people who have had a career can come together and be proactive. Yes, i think it is a combination of all of those factors. Okay. I think that that has been our experience here. We have a lot of labor practice charges last year alone. Unfair labor practice charges. Tell me about what the board makes as far as handling the case volume decisions before the nlrb . It makes a huge difference. That was precisely the reason why in 1947, congress increased the size of the board from three to five members so that the board could process cases more quickly and efficiently. And it does make a tremendous difference to have a full complement of Board Members. It will also make a big difference to have a fully confirmed complement of Board Members because recent appointees are therefore a very short period of time. What that means is that you have a lot of turnover. And there is a learning curve and naturally that doesnt do anything trying to move this case expeditiously. I want to thank you both. Thank you, senator franken. Senator alexander . Thank you, mr. Chairman. Only a couple of questions. It got me to thinking, can you think of anyone other than crating yourself who came directly by the union to the Board Membership . Nothing comes to mind right now. Okay, let me ask about what is the excelsior and the current law requires employers. This is called the risk and this is a regulatorregulator y effort to expand that including telephone numbers and email addresses and job classifications and a lot of employees have said but that seems to them like an invasion of privacy and they dont want all of that personal information shared. Would either of you, if confirmed, continued the proposed regulation that allows this invasion of an employees privacy . It is my understanding that there are still portions of previously issued this regarding the election procedures and that is still pending. So if that were to come before the board, then i would be considering it at that point in time. So i wouldnt want to prejudge that. I appreciate the issues of privacy and i appreciate the current rules stated in 1960 and 1966. And it is a fairly old rule. It seems true that one would care about that. We have to consider all the regulations by the board but there is further consideration of those portions of that outstanding notice. But i couldnt prejudge it and now i dont have an opinion about that. Does this allow employees to opt out of personal information requests . You think that is reasonable . That it certainly something that i assumed at the time. And part of the consideration. Thank you, senator. That is kind of my proposed rule. It is very substantial and would need to be considered very carefully by the board in addressing that kind of proposal. Again, it would be inappropriate for me to prejudge any of those issues that we are talking about. We are going to be talking about a new complement to members. And if i end up being one of those members, that is something that i would have to discuss very seriously. Would you also consider the opt out position should you go forward with a rule like this . Yes, i would certainly consider it. Okay. The concerns about privacy of social media and the internet are not an exclusively republican issue. We hear as much about that from the democratic side as we hear from the republican side and i would hope that that would be the kind of issue. You said in a meeting of 2012, you made a presentation of the oversight that is over the talk, you said congressional efforts was an unfocused or meandering witchhunt, does that suggest that you wont be willing to comply with letters or requests or you were to be a member of the national Relations Board . I believe that congress does have a responsibility. It might be up to the leadership to decide that. The first time that this could be on the floor for consideration should you be reporting to the full senate. It would be next week. This would be a vote on her nomination. However, senators have a right to an answer the question and we have all the information that we normally have for president ial nominees and we have had this hearing. They would ask the two of you that senators have additional questions, i would urge them to get them to you right away. And i would get you to respond to them as completely as you can so that all members of the senate can have your answers to the questions before the senate. I hope the questions are pertinent to the position. And reasonable and rational unlimited. And im hoping that you will have to submit this with the committee. The epa has 1200 questions and it would be impossible for them to respond with and i period of time at which we are discussing. So im hoping the senators have the right to ask questions and we have these questions for the record. But i would hope again that they would be reasonable in number so that propose nominees can have a decent chance to examine and respond. And this is very important to monitor it as far as going overboard. I like to read, as i always like to read. This includes the free flow of commerce and the instructions and to mitigate and eliminate these obstructions when they have occurred this encourages the practice and procedure of collective bargaining. And by protecting the exercise and the full freedom of workers and association, Self Organization and designation of their own choosing, for the purpose of negotiating the terms and conditions of their employment or other mutual aid or protection. The policy of the United States is to encourage the practice and procedure of collective bargaining. That is in the act. If people dont like that, i suppose they could change the act. But i havent heard of any of that as of yet. So i think again that it is part of the Public Service in the past and i hope that with the Ranking Member weekend get to this on the vote tomorrow and i encourage you both to respond as rapidly as possible and assertively as you have answered those questions. Senator sachs and those who are here, again we have a not unreasonable number of questions that need to be responded to. So this board is really the board that helps those business and workers move ahead. I believe it is 91 of the cases that come into this are settled at the regional level. Nine out of 10. So that means the board is functioning and functioning well. And every once in a while a tough case comes up with something happens to get the board to have to think about the application of the act to modern circumstances. So perhaps sometimes that is one problems arise. And i have every reason to believe that for the first time in a decade it bodes well for the future in terms of people working together and making the board functional once again, fully functional once again. So again, thank you all. The committee will stand adjourned. I think you. Thank you very much. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] in a few moments, a house subcommittee speaks about illegal immigration and children. And then charlie cook, publisher of the Cook Political Report speaks. After that, a panel on how to make medicare more efficient. Coming up on the next washington journal, a discussion on the Affordable Care act with jim mcdermott, the top democrat of the subcommittee on health. Then congressman bill cassidy talks about the bills launching the epa from enforcing rules that could affect the economy. Later, the spotlight on magazine series featuring i the cover story of the technology of war and the how the marine corps is preparing. Washington journal is live every day at 7 00 a. M. Eastern on cspan. I. Thousands of socalled dreamers have been allowed to stay in the country on executive order issued by president obama. The order came after a bill called the dream act bill to pass last congress and this is 2. 5 hours. Good afternoon. The subcommittee of Border Security will come to order. This is a hearing entitled addressing immigration status of Illegal Immigrants brought to the United States as children. We welcome all of our witnesses today. Both panels. We will get to our witnesses momentarily. When chairman Bob Goodlatte have to hearing a month ago, we said we were looking for a remedy that would last a lifetime. A real remedy. We hope to find a synthesis or a harmony between the compassion that defines us as a people and the respect for the rule of law that defines us as a republic. The House Judiciary Committee has had a dozen hearings on different aspects of our immigration including strengthening interior enforcement and ensuring the laws passed are actually enforced. When it is the only guarantee that we will not repeat the mistakes of the past. The issue of how to treat children in this country is not new. Congress congress has considered it since 2001. But several members of the subcommittee concluded. We also hope children will understand that they are a special protected class. We have witnessed heroism were total strangers sacrificed their lives for other peoples children. It unites us like nothing else. Because children are a special class. [inaudible conversations] treat children differently and almost every regard. When children wander into neighborhood yards, we dont call that trespassing. When they cry and yell and scream when children eat a piece of candy before mom or dad g4 come we dont call that petty larceny. Children cannot sign contracts or vote or purchase certain items and they cannot even work in some instances because the law treats them differently even the purpose of the system is different the law treats children differently for a variety of reasons intent is a necessary element of every criminal offense. Children have not committed a crime. Misdemeanors or otherwise. The adults may have to, but the children have not. That is not an expression of compassion but the execution and the application of the law. There is an estimated 1. 35 billion undocumented children under the age of 18 and an estimated 1. 6 million between the ages of 18 and 24 years old in this country. And recent ones ive heard from organizations and individuals aimed at granting legal status for this subset of undocumented immigrants. Children from South Carolina and from as far away as South Carolina and california, where my good friend was gray fish do not let me visit. I remember a young lady at your town hall coming up and for virtually all of her life, this young lady grew up thinking that she was an american citizen. She never knew any differently. She lead a virtuous life and she was active in her church. A wonderful loving family. Exactly the kind of person that you and i would want to be. A fellow citizen. She was polite and persuasive. She does have one question for us, what country do i go back to . This was the only country she had ever known. So they may or may not have other attempts to group the entire 11 million and one is an effort to secure a political remedy that will only wind up as hurt. The most vulnerable and we must ensure that there are sufficient screening mechanisms and in conclusion, let me say that we are a nation of laws because the laws provide order and structure and predictability in peace and inequality and injustice. Passion is good. Sturdy and strong as the Foundation Upon which we live and i will perform noncombatant service is required by the law. I will perform work under civilian direction when required by the law. That is the oath of citizenship and that is the pledge and promise hand on heart to the soontobe fellow citizens. Five references to the law are a single paragraph and if we expect people to defend and live by the law after they become citizens, what possible process can exist . Finally to equities are on the side of the children in my judgment and can be debated and it was also on the side of these children and the law Side Entrance to his above laws and opinions. We are compassionate and free, but most of all we are a nation of laws. So with that, i would recognize the gentle lady from california. This includes undocumented young people and these kids have grown up in these kids have attended american schools and you often dont that no other country could i miss home. We have talked about these agreements and so many women testified about their lives. One of the witnesses grew up in california and grew up in garden grove, california, and ucla grew up with a bachelors degree with honors it is continuing to serve as a leading voice she died on a car crash on may 15, 2010. I wanted to recognize her as we begin this hearing. I it is what Martin Luther king junior referred to as the fierce urgency of now. We have a historic opportunity to fix our broken immigration system and it would be a national shame. One part is to ensure that dreamers have an opportunity to be just as american on paper as they already are in their hearts. Including those in leadership the dream act was first introduced as bipartisan leadership and has had bipartisan support of her sons. I am extremely pleased that this would be part of what the witnesses to testify about today i understand that the chairman is working on a legislative proposal that is called the kids act. This is advocating for change unlike the immigration bill that this committee marked up in june, we have not yet seen the language and we have not been asked to contribute to the effort. I am looking forward to reviewing this and i know that this is a sharp departure of the dream act im even more concerned about reports and how some members may be working on legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain some kind of lawful status for legal permanent residency. I want to be clear that i recognize that this is part of significant progress and i represent that. I believe it shows a growing appreciation that we cannot fix our broken immigration system without addressing the 11 million undocumented immigrants were a part of our businesses and communities and families. But this legislation shows that this has a dangerous past. We only need to look at our friend germany to see how it can go awry. What makes America Special is that people assimilate them come here, they become fully american with all of the rights and responsibilities that citizenship bestows. It is part of the mandatory Border Security, we need to increase visas for skilled workers and allow immigrants to become citizens. In the context of a broader part of the immigration system, 88 has a path to earn citizenship. The supporters overwhelmingly strong only 17 opposed. We have an opportunity to do something that will help strengthen americas economy this opportunity does not come often. I feel as though my entire time in congress, 18 plus years have been spent looking for a broken immigration system fixed once and for all. This is at times i am doing everything i can to make sure that the house is able to do the same. If we Work Together, i think we can make that happen and i think that our country will be better as a result. We know that our history as a country and america was formed by immigrants and we will not serve our country well unless we ensure that our future also welcomes the immigrants that will help build a stronger america. I thank you, mr. Chairman. I yield back. Thank you. I think the gentle lady from california. We we now recognize mr. Bob goodlatte. Thank you, chairman trey gowdy. Thank you for holding this hearing as your compelling opening statement. Most americans think about illegal immigration in the picture adul most americans think about illegal immigration in the picture adult crossing a desert on the southwest u. S. Border. But not every illegal immigrant in the United States can be placed into the same category. Some did in fact come here by being smuggled across the border. Some came here on a visa and did not leave when their allotted time expired so they could work here illegally. However, there is another class of individuals that deserve to be considered from a different perspective. I am talking about aliens brought here as children by their parents. They had no input into the pits decision to bring the family to the u. S. Legally. And many of them know that having grown up as americans, since they were toddlers and some instances this is part of the stepbystep approach that we have taken to address Immigration Reform and we should look at whether we as nation should allow this group of young people to stay in the u. S. Legally. While this is an important piece of Immigration Reform, it must be accomplished effectively and responsibly while forcing their children to be part of this, parents bringing their Young Children here illegally is not something we want to encourage great not only because it would lead to continued illegal immigration but because it is crossing the border and is dangerous. We all have seen the videos of children who are dehydrated from an arduous trek across the desert with her parents or smugglers in these border crossings could include everything from handing a child over in hopes of getting the child to the u. S. To placing a child in the back of a semi truck and hope the trend hoping that customs and Border Patrol at the u. S. Port of entry would not protect the human presence in the trailer to bringing the child down into a tunnel between mexico and the United States knowing that at any moment it could collapse. These are all the things that Immigration Reform must ensure come to an end. Successful Immigration Reform a look at how we address the significant population of Illegal Immigrants who are already here. I order as they have shown that they have not intended to be members of american society, they should not be treated the same for purposes of legal status as Young Children brought here by their parents. I am pleased that the term has taken the time to look at it issued today and i look forward to hearing the testimony of all the witnesses. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I yield back. We have two panels, including colleagues that have other Committee Assignments including other requests for Opening Statements and we will get you as quickly as we can. We recognize the gentleman from florida. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I know that the chairman and many on the other side are trying to find a solution for this problem. We are trying to find a just solution. When members of this committee and house use inflammatory language and offensive language, it does not help the process. In my district i have multiple schools produce valid points and they are undocumented. They use language for everyone who is a valedictorian, there is another hunger that weigh 130 pounds and have been carrying pounds of marijuana i know that my colleagues are trying hard in particular and the Ranking Member on our site has been working very hard. Working to find a solution. But this is an american problem. We need to Work Together we need to stop pointing a finger. I look forward to the goodwill to try to find a way to solve this very american problem. I thank you. Thank you for recognizing me for an opening statement. The purpose is to set the tone little differently. When i see that we have eight witnesses lined up on one side of the agenda and for people lined up to speak as Opening Statements i did pick that up in the news. It was referred to by the gentleman from california. But we dont have the ability to do this. So we cant look at the language of a bill and take a position on that language. We are here today examining a concept and a philosophy and a potential bill that is not yet before us. This is what we usually conduct business with and i suggest that we have a bill before us. So i have disagreed with that is a truce agreement with the subcommittee on that particular subject. But whose fault is it . Its not the childrens fault. Its not the childrens fault it is the parents fault . I think so. Are we going to punish the children that a situation that they find in contradiction in violation of the law is this a broader picture of a backdoor amnesty so that all people that are with those exceptions and those who have committed the misdemeanors, they would be exempt, but otherwise everyone in america is targeted to get legal by the senate gang of eight and i am very concerned about that. People in this country are unlawful and even if you have this, who do you enforce the law against everyone who hasnt committed the felony is now legalized or their family and everyone comes after this point, when you start to enforce the law but we cant enforce it today with a immigrant arrives with a one week old baby. Those that will follow them think if we just do this here because this tugs at her heart, it tugs at my heart as well. I listen to the subcommittee statement in this includes remedy that will last a lifetime and i think that we have a higher responsibility. I think that we have to preserve the rule of law so that the country can last for many generations into the future. If you exactness, you had suspended the law in a category. At the end of this thing theyre willing to sacrifice the rule of law for political power. We have 100 million americans a day of working is that are of the work force. Were talking about giving no reward for breaking the law. We must take this back to the essentials fundamental principles. I appreciate the chairman yielding me some time plan than looking for to the testimony of the witnesses. Im hopeful the devil his statement. The chair recognizes the general lee from texas. Mr. Chairman, this is a good start. We have done this, for those of us are senior members on this committee for more than a decade i think you and the congresswoman for the testimony that will be rendered today. I believe that it is worthy to your members of congress and to find that Common Ground. It is also worthy to hear the opposition. It is also well to note that we act on behalf of the people and strike a compromise. The difficulty is, as i listen to my good friend, we will go nowhere if we cannot find a Common Ground hard do not have those who can seek compromise on the horizon. The one thing we cannot compromise on, and i said this earlier in my remarks around the tree branch. I thank them. The art commemorating and celebrating ramadan and the principles of the christian faith. One of them, this young woman in treats her motherinlaw not to leave her. She comes close and asks that her mother avalon not go somewhere else and leave her. We want to tell the dream act children that they can state immobile we dont know about your parents are sisters and brothers. What values are those . If we tell our children that they can stay but we tell them not on either a mother and father. We have format. We have comprehensive Immigration Reform and we can listen to individual suggestions have seen bills that may be advantageous and may even be put in to the larger framework and summoning members of been working on. We cannot move forward if we have motions on the floor of the house voted enthusiastically to hon find the funding that will process. Translator children. How can you say the you are interested in moving forward when we of struck a chord of dissension by taking the very dollars a way that would help move the process forward hit, even if we were to take this one bill of the time. I say this as i read about fitted i spent a number of years. Who will hold an immigration hearing that we invite all of you to come to. We want people to come far and wide plunderers of congress are coming in from around the state, and we are looking to delineate taxes interest and commitment as one of the large estates in the union incomprehensive Immigration Reform. This morning we heard that it is not only business persons but the evangelical or the Faith Community and business. Are hoping to strike a chord. Members of congress, you could vote for comprehensive Immigration Reform. Members that believe in the Faith Community, evangelicals, you can vote for a comprehensive approach. Certainly if you adhere to Law Enforcement who have cried out for Immigration Reform, you can do that. Most importantly if you believe in humanity, the young people that may be because we are in washington you dont see. They come into our office with tears in their eyes. Valedictorians, salutatorians. And of his ability talking about those who have served in the not tarija. Some young man whose company while i was shaking his hand on the platform of graduation. He said, want to go into the service. He cant come now. Hes taught me a city one of the go on vacation market a bit time job. You want to go and serve his nation, but you have not to gloat. If you see those kinds of children, you know the only approach which can take is comprehensive Immigration Reform if you viewed the vast humanity, that is the approach we should take. I hope that this committee will see a comprehensive initiative and that we will be voting much sooner than later for a better america. Thank you. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas. Thank you for holding this hearing as well as the chairman of the full committee. The stepbystep approach for the Immigration Reform legislation. I want to make my comments center on the phrase, breaking the law. Its estimated that over 1 million children were brought here from Foreign Countries without consent or under the age of ten. Every rare in our lawn and i am more of them must be some intent for the act to be committed, and other civil intent to form a contract, criminal intent to commit a crime, and in it ten and under the person cannot form the intent to do anything. The law says their child. Immigration law is the only place i know of where intent is not required to be considered illegal. A think its time that we bring the law of to the standard of all laws in the United States that a child cannot form the intent to commit an act that is illegal in the United States. Therefore we should look at children brought here by the appearance, ten and under, whatever age as not being able to have a legal status because they cannot and did not consent to the act or make that determination mentally. Therefore they should be treated in a special way, there are children brought here with no intent to have the status that they have. The status was given to them by their parents. So breaking the law, not so sure that we can say that they have broken all because the status should not be retroactive after they have reached a certain age. With their age at the time that they were brought here. It seems to me that its time that we deal with these special children and a very special way and bring them in to our society and move forward with rectifying this error in our Immigration Law and make sure that we, as the chairman has said, have compassion, follow the rule of law and move forward with recognizing these children. I meant numerous individuals who were brought here as a child, some of them serve and our military receives. So i think this hearing is very important. Fellow members of congress, a unique issue in the entire discussion of immigration legislation dealing with those children that were brought here not by their charters and not by their intent, but the choice and intent of someone else. Attempted gentleman from texas. There was one more request from that gentleman from idaho. Theres no request, but i will make this short statement. I should have kept my mouth shut. Anything that the chairman asks how will do. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Chairman and members of the panel, how grateful you are here. Having this discussion, i think its important for us as americans that we comply with all law, second look at what the security of our nation is the third look at what we need to do to make sure that the mistakes that we have made in the past with respect to enforcement of our law, they can be corrected. This is an important hearing. I like the town of diaz said. What to make sure. A lot to make sure we can continue to have this town of conversation. I do want to make something very clear that i have said in public and private. There is no right to citizenship its a privilege it is provided by law and a privilege that is provided by our constitution and something that we need to discuss here, how to do it in the best way so we can prevent in the future having the same mistake that we made in 1986. Want to thank you for being here for. I will continue to do something. Find a way for rest of solve the problems there facing us. Theyre affecting the future of the United States. Thank you. Is an omen from idaho, privileged have two wonderful panels. A very distinguished resonate. You may want to push the button. [inaudible] the great discussion on the path citizenship. [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] we need to remember that the role of the United States is to defend our nation. We must never view armed forces as an intervention. Many of these efforts [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] the aftermath of vietnam, the recruiting and retention is difficult in favor of the large floors. There is no comparison. The United States armed forces are much stronger in size blocking, to a servant continue to serve. The force will become more challenging. A study 2009, ready, willing, and abel, 75 percent of young people are not fit for military service because they either dont have a diploma, overweight , a criminal record or history of substance abuse. Eligible recruits to select from could play a Critical Role in helping to retain the in the status of our military, even as the civilian job market improves my legislation, the military enlistment opportunity act provides reform to our reporting regulations that would allow certain undocumented residents of the United States to apply for military service after they have been first vetted by the department of Homeland Security. The betting by the department of Homeland Security would only mean that the individuals eligible to apply to serve in the military command it will be up to each respective branch of service as to whether or not to accept these applicants. Permanent residents or green card holders are allowed to enlist in the military today, but because they are not u. S. Citizens there are restricted in terms of what occupational fields that can do. Only u. S. Citizens can all the security clearance. Without a security clearance an increasing number of occupational fields in the military are offlimits. Opening up Investment Opportunities would only aggravate an existing problem by relegating these new recruits to a shrinking number of occupational fields given the fact that more and more of them require security clearances. My solution is to grant citizenship at the beginning of the adjustment for both permanent residents and those individuals who were previously undocumented but know who would be allowed to enter the military this would enable the military to use all of their soldiers, sailors, marines to their best and highest potential because they would no longer be restricted from entering the majority of career fields. However, in doing so my legislation makes the citizenship three vocable should the Service Member receive a less than honorable discharge. Currently enlistments are for in a year time frame but can be a combination of active duty reserve and inactive reserve time where the Service Members are available to be recalled and return to active duty. I strongly believe that by allowing these young people who we are talking about today to serve in our military coming in it is not just the right thing to do, but will serve to strengthen the National Security of our country. Thank you. Thank you come representative. I want to make sure the microphones are fully functioning. We may need to stand down for 3045 seconds. Chairman. Its definitely working. There we go. Ranking member, i just want to for start by thanking both of you. Not only the appreciation and share with both of you and spending time with me going over specific pieces of this legislation but more importantly my constituents. You guys about dedicated a great deal of time that is much appreciated by me and the folks in my district to read want to thank the members of this committee for dedicating so much time to fix this problem. I want to fix this once in my lifetime. Its a huge priority and a personal priority of mine. Its also something of believe will grow the economy of california and contribute to the greatness of america. On a personal note, i witnessed the trials and juries of immigration from my own family. My fatherinlaw is a naturalized citizen from mexico. Firstgeneration americans. I was very proud of my fatherinlaw, a very proud man last week held steady for a citizenship test. Its a big deal. Not everybody was to become a citizen, but those that too unwilling to work hard to make this country. I know were here today to talk about it is in and debra hit your no fault of their own. And ford to continuing to engage in a variety of. Specifically on this topic, one of the bills it is already in print, number of you have already cosponsored will be part of the act, the analyst act. During my 16 years of serving in the air force was served along many foreign nationals lori will turn citizenship your putting their lives on for americans in the armed services. Our nation has never made citizenship requirement for service in our armed forces. 50 percent of enlistees or immigrants. 660,000 military veterans became citizens through nationalization between 1862 and the most recent numbers, 2000. Individuals from marshall islands, micronesia, American Samoa gain citizenship to date through military service. The launch act was passed by congress in the 1960s to allow the military to recruit from europe and other nations overseas to of though Critical Roles. Between 19 many which i serve with and listed in the navy and granted u. S. Is a chip. I introduced the endless tacked which authorizes the investment back in the armed forces of on documented arrogance or brought into the United States has children and their otherwise qualify for investment. This will provide a way for undocumented immigrants to be lawfully admitted to the u. S. For permanent residence by reason of their honorable service. Not the only way, but a way to show theyre dedication to this great country. The actual all the affected population of kids who have been in the United States since the age of 15 and are prohibited from experiencing patriotism under current military code. Kent would provide a talent pool of young men and women many of whom would have strategic language and cultural competencies. I met with the constituent. Thank you matter as well. Recruited from the marines a day after completing her paperwork she was contacted by the recruiter and ask for Social Security number which she obviously did not have because she was brought here on lawfully into the United States. She would have been able to serve her country had my analyst act already been all. In the midst of our Immigration Reform debate one thing we should agree on is that we must require those who came here illegally to get back before they can receive any additional benefit. As someone who served, remember the pride i felt wearing the uniform and cannot think of any better way for these young people to her in the right to fully share and the rights and freedoms of america. I would just like to point out one other thing. As we have travelled around this district, we traveled around the state investment time and other districts around the nation. I talked to not only a large number of immigrants by a lot of kids. [speaking in native tongue] i get a very interesting look. Where entire lives of Kandahar School with their kids. Its an issue we have to address. This is a big challenge addressing the entire immigration system. Specifically on this issue we have to address this issue and we need to address it now. Let me finish by saying last month i appreciated the chairman , the house democrats, caucus chairman. We in a colloquy on the floor. But that said that they were willing to Work Together and making sure that this issue becomes reality. I appreciate your willingness to do that. This is an important part of this package in the help the entire committee and house will consider the interest act as one of the ways for undocumented individuals to legalize without providing opportunities to her and her legal status or our body will not resolve our immigration status. There is no better way in putting your life on line for this country to become an american citizen. I yield back. Thank you. Mr. Gardner. Thank you, chairman, Ranking Member, chairman, other members of the committee, the upper to the to testify today. My full statement has been submitted for the record. An important step towards addressing Immigration Reform in a sensible and systematic manner. Immigration is an important issue for my district dislike it is for everyone on this panel. Ignoring Immigration Laws for nearly two decades has helped 11 Million People without documentation. Forty to 42 percent of all undocumented individuals were once illegally but overstayed visas. The 1986 bill has proven unworkable and too easily avoidable. We must reform Immigration Laws and do so on a stepbystep process with deliberation and debate surrounding each piece of reform. We must begin with for security and interior enforcement. We cannot simply put reform to the sun because it is unworkable or the political will is simply not present to make it work. We have this to it a chance to prove that the federal government can be trusted to build a longterm and common sense system. It has been said by many of the United States is a nation of immigrants and i imagine if i was not blessed to be born in this country a loaded them everything i could to be in this country. Or also a nation of laws. Our current Immigration Laws of proven inadequate and are not being enforced. If a law is not enforced or ignored we no longer remain a nation of laws and it becomes worse the more than the bill paper its written on. Congress must move forward by building a new system of Immigration Laws that will stand strong and secure the still allow a workable system for people that want to be part of this great nation and a healthy economy to have the opportunity to do so. I urge the house to be guided by law and fairness during this process and fare as well to those currently waiting in a Legal Process to become citizens. Immigration reform must begin with Border Security and interior enforcement as a top priority and will not support reform that fails to include Strong Security enforcement measures. Not only did these measures need to exist, then must be confirmation from a credible outside entity that these measures of unsatisfied and implemented. No one should be able to choose not to enforce the law or waive it through the administrative process. Once we secure our borders and air force in the law and guarantee measures are working it we look to other reforms. With these principles setting the framework were here to discuss potential reform for the very young. The children who are brought illegally into this country is minors. These of the children and young adults with all intents and purposes are culturally american, the chilled in the growth in the United States in goes cool the children and grandchildren, my daughter. An issue of fairness, law, and compassion. Many of these children know no other nation except for the United States. Made a decision to enter the country illegally and a broken system did nothing to prevent it. They deserve to be afforded some form that recognizes their year to no fault of their own. I believe members across the aisle can unite in degree and providing them with some sort of denigration relief is the fair thing to do. This must be part of a stepbystep reform package. The legislation addressing an individual should not provide them with the treatment that is unfair to those already following the Legal Process. Any legislation addressing this would be to be for the benefit of the child and no one else. During the process must find the appropriate balance. While these children remain innocent we cannot read or family members who have broken the law. I have a story like to share with the committee. In 2005i had just been appointed the Colorado State legislature and held one of my first town meetings on the Eastern Plains and a small farm town. The government teacher of the local highschool brought the entire class to attend the meeting. There were not many of them, but during the question and answer a and roasted up and introduced herself from the stating the issue is graduating first in her class, valedictorian of racing a class. Shed gone to school with those same classmates since her in the garden year. She stood up and said she was proud of this country when she was only a few months old. She asked this question ill never forget. The is support in state tuition for illegal aliens. I told her i did not begin allowing passage of such a policy was avoiding the real problem, failing to address the overall need for Immigration Reform and we can start with instate tuition because we have to pursue meaningful Immigration Reform first to fix the broken nature of our process before anything else can happen. About a month ago as in the same small town and ran into this young girl once again. Waiting tables. Eight years later we talked once again about the need for Immigration Reform. Eight years later nothing is at. This Time Congress cannot just talk of the Immigration Reform. Congress must act. It will be strong disagreement about what to do, how to proceed , and what the end policy will ultimately look like. We must act and i believe we can do so in a way that 30 years from now, 100 years from now few generations to mammograms and non immigrants can say that fact and they did the right thing and its working. And like to thank the committee for the opportunity to testify today. And recognize our friend and fellow Judiciary Committee member. Thank you. The full Committee Chairman for joining us as he has during on the scary. Sylvias to introduce the first bill to legalize the status of young people brought to this country by a parents. The immigrant Children Educational advantage in trouble prevention act of 2001. Since i introduced that, the movement for illegal immigration or Immigration Reform and liberalization has grown broader and deeper. In every community. And people, religious people, women, business owners, and in bonds and beds and regular civic minded u. S. Citizens organizing to make sure we past Immigration Reform this year in the u. S. Congress. Over the august recess members of this committee in the house of representatives will see first hand the desire for reform is real and present in their communities across this nation. We have recently heard the speaker of the house and the majority leader and no wider array of republican voices said they are for legalizing the status of children under certain circumstances. Theyre must be pretty persuasive. Lets go far weve come. Eight months ago the Republican Party platform said support them all. Just a month ago all but six of the republicans in the house voted to kill the funding because of the action for childhood arrival. Every single republican voted to make every and documented in unperson a criminal. Im here to say thank you for check taking a step in the right direction of justice today. Now let us find a way to walk Forward Together tomorrow to be those of us who have sat at the Immigration Reform table for many lonely years are glad youre stepping up and engaging in a conversation. We need you. Without you meet cannot achieve success. If the republican majority is starting with the dreamers because that is the spot youre willing to go in terms of legal status for undocumented immigrants, thank you for coming even a small step in the right direction is the first step in any goodfaith negotiation. It says compromise may indeed be within reach. But that me be absolutely Crystal Clear and unequivocal, legalizing only the dreamers is not enough. It would not be enough given the years and decades of hard work and equities that millions of immigrants have built in this country and would not be enough to satisfy the intense under for illegality in the immigrant community, the pride with which so many want someday to say i am an american citizen. It is not enough to restore the rule of law. I met with streamers and with their moms and dads and want the same thing for their kids that want from my two wonderful daughters. Of one and indivisible family. I cannot imagine for one minute the republican know also on a fence into the a family, legalize the children of the the rest of the family vulnerable to our broken immigration system pitted after the election and traveled to of missouri to meet with united we dream. I was told in no Uncertain Terms that there would not be the parents behind. I will let them speak for themselves because they are all well and fully capable of doing so. A son of maturity and level of confidence that any politician would be a fool not to consider. It will not settle for what is good for them unless they can also win what is good for the families. You know what, you know why . Because their parents instill values in them, good and decent kids are raised like it and decent parents. We honored that children for being of standing and the kinds of immigrants the we like and we must honor the parents who helped raise them to be a standing no, i know that there is more to come. This hearing and the legislation we understand is being prepared by the majority i fully believe is just the first up. Im optimistic that once you take one step toward justice will take a second and third and as many steps as it takes until the first is extinguished. I want all of us to walk there together. Once you see them standing up for young and talented immigrants feels good and right heat but youll want to stand up for their parents who raised an actor and. The dreamers will remember, the nation will remember forever have this congress in this country treated the parents. We have come such a long way and need to Work Together to keep america moving forward. Mr. Chairman, i would like to ask unanimous consent that the oped written by my colleague tennant a ton for Immigration Reform is now, published this past sunday in the denver post piece submitted for record. A travel to a lot of places, with the oped in the paper that will come to me on sunday morning in denver when i arrived is one of the best acts of welcoming have never received and would like to introduce it to a record. Without objection. Mr. Chairman, would like to be introduced into the record consent to submit an editorial from the Bakersfield Californian , the hometown newspaper congressman david withheld i shared a stage this past saturday in bakersfield in his district. His willingness to compromise and engage members on both sides of the aisle on the immigration issue. I ask that also be included in the record. Without objection. Thank you. Again, on behalf of polybus i full well recognize the one meeting on the floor and committee and have constituents that are waiting and you. We are very grateful for your perspective and insight. We have another panel, so we will stand down for a moment while the three of you go about. Hopefully mr. Gutierrez will join us. We will be in recess for five minutes. [inaudible conversations] i want to thank our first panel for the time and expertise and turn our attention to our second group of witnesses. We will begin with nonmember witnesses by having you rise and take and no. If you would all please rise and lift your right hands. To use with the testimony youre about to give is the truth all truth, nothing but the troops help you god . Led all with the record reflect all witnesses answered in the affirmative. You may be seated. Thank you. I am going to the read all of your biographies and then recognize you individually for your 5minute opening statement. We will start with dr. Barrett duke, vicepresident of policy and research, institute of the Southern Baptist apply christianity was them with the group since 1997. Graduating with a ba from Criswell College receiving a masters with honors and oral testament studies in 1985 from denver conservative baptist seminary and a ph. D. In religious and steady from the joint Doctoral Program of the lets just say the school of theology at the university of denver. That works. Welcome. We will have margie, our next witness, National Center on the immigrant immigration policy where she provides Indepth Research and policy analysis, broad reach of immigration issues. She served for 15 years as executive director of the new york immigration coalition. The director of the new york city 1990 census project and executive assistant to a mayor ed kochs, chief of staff, graduate of harvard and ran the colleges. Welcome. Currently pursuing a masters degree at the university of florida. Work for various causes including the Salvation Army policy is the United States citizen his sister is an undocumented immigrant who was bought to the United States is the innate. Last but not least, a member of the National Committee of the united we dream network and cofounder and executive director of the Arkansas Coalition for dream and a board member of the Arkansas Committee , he had committed the coalition, but to the United States unlawfully when she is five years old and has resided in arkansas from in your entire life. Currently studying at Henderson State University where she is pursuing to masters degrees, one in english as a second language and the other an american literature. Welcome. We will start with you. You have a series of panels in front of you. Green is go, yellow slow down, read, summarize if you are able. With that, welcome. Thank you very much. Good afternoon. As you heard, and the vicepresident for Public Policy and research the seven Baptist Conventions on the ethics and religious Liberty Commission. And appreciate the opportunity to speak to the subcommittee, fate based perspective on the subject of children are bought your from the by their parents. The subcommittee is right to view this group of undocumented immigrants differently from those who came here as adults. People who did not make a conscious decision to break the nations Immigration Laws of war brought here as minors. This is the only life they know. It is likely that they identify more with this country and its culture than they do with the country and culture from which the parents brought them. This is their home, and of the words. Our country should not all these children accountable for the jurors is that parents make. Anyone in this room want or expect to be held accountable for decisions the parents made . I think not. Such distinctions are a part. Many came to this land to escapes the extent of social stratification. In this land every person is to be judged by his or her own character and accomplishments, not those of his or her parents. Got himself has pledged such an approach to individual accountability. And the hebrew scriptures held by me and millions of mothers has gone to reveal will the profit ezekiels speaking guides pronounces declared a sun wont suffer punishment for a fathers inequity and a father wants tougher punishment for the sons and equity. Of, will not hold children accountable for the sins of their parents certainly we should not nighter. I rely heavily on the teachings of the bible to help me develop my thoughts about all aspects of life. I fully support the biblical teaching of the divine origin and role of government has laid out in such passages as promised chapter 13 versus 15. Guns designed for government is to punish bad behavior and to reward good behavior. Surely we all agree this is a fundamental purpose of government. Every person brought to this country illegally as a minor should not qualify for special consideration by the subcommittee. There should be given a chance to come of the shadows and join in our nation. We should reward their good behavior. This is the spirit and nations celebrate. We should celebrate the spirit and this in people and provide a way for it. Fully prepare for error Productive Lives and our nation, harrison things i urge you to consider. First, its difficult to imagine how you can fully address the needs but also addressed the needs of the other undocumented immigrants in our nation, including their parents. Is my hope and prayer that congress will see this as one piece of a bigger plan that meets the principles of silent Immigration Reform. We can honor their rule of law, secure borders, and turn a just and compassionate way forward for the merits of whether undocumented immigrants living peaceably and productively in our midst. Second, parameters are in order. I suggested summon my full testimony which you have economic evidence of prior residence in the country. Enrollment in Higher Education by the military which you just heard a gentleman speak of, completion of high school or ged , granting a provisional legal status wall they fulfill their obligation and in eligibility for a green card and citizenship after or. I think the committee for your willingness to tackle this important matter. Area dealing with lifes year, not only lost. Let justice be blind, but let her also be discerning. The character and drive reveals that these and men and women under consideration represent some of the festival were looking for in a future citizenry. We should welcome them and encourage and and in power and to stand tall as we honor them and their commitment, we say to a watching world and likely to know watching citizenry that this really is still a land of opportunity and promise. That concludes my comments and no accord to attempting to answer any questions you might have. Thank you. This margie mchugh. Good afternoon and thank you for the invitation to appear before you. Brought here as children and have since established deep roots in this country. The more generic analysis does not exist. I will rely on a Detailed Analysis i coauthored in 2010 have the then. Translator population which looked at the size and keys as a demographic characters who entered the u. S. Before age 16 and were continuously present in the u. S. For at least five years our analysis found that approximately 2 million children and youth were i immediately eligible for conditional legal status or could become eligible on the future. Our study divided the age and date of arrival of eligible populations into four subgroups based on age a level of education and is to make each cruise likelihood of meeting the requirements to obtain legal permanent residents which in that place case included completion of a College Degree or two years of post secondary education or military service. Quickly they broke out as follows, the largest was cool its children who became eligible in the future is a graduate from high school are good g. D. On military Service Requirements. 43 percent of potential beneficiaries or in this category are 934,000 children under age 18. The next largest screw of those who had already earned a Highschool Diploma or a ged the would need to pursue college or military service in order to earn a green card. Next about 23 or nearly 500,000 youth with those over 18 and my Highschool Diploma. They could potentially become eligible in the future of the completed a Highschool Diploma or ged and subsequently completed post secondary education on military service. Finally, we estimate about 5 or 114,000 of the 2 million hand already retained an Associates Degree and will be immediately eligible for a green card. You see in my written testimony that we look further at he says it demographic characteristics of the population and challenges many of these and people would phase in completing college of being accepted into the military these included a four in College Tuition and fees, needing to work to support themselves and their families, javelin parenting responsibilities and closing gaps in academic english proficiency. Overall u. S. Demand that over 30 percent of the million who were potentially eligible with the will to meet the Educational Attainment on military Service Requirements and legislation proposed. Since the cost of Higher Education and access are critical factors affecting College Completion based on historical trends we found that College Affordability was likely to be the most significant factor that would prevent an enemy to the average from completing the requirement. Our profile of the potentially eligible population is consistent with National Research demonstrating and immigrants are more likely to be Nontraditional College Students me they often and well and post secondary education and older ages, attend college part time, were going to school, travel fatling responsibilities along with coursework. All of these factors had been associated with lower rates of College Enrollment and completion and therefore a financial social and economic support stand to play a significant role if the pass to the path with a permanent residence and citizenship requires successful in making ones way through post secondary education. I would like to point out before closing them more recently the Congressional Budget Office estimated approximately onehalf million unauthorized evidence would meet the criteria included in recent immigration legislation. The cbo estimated approximately 24 percent of these and be able to a cheaper residents. In conclusion while the estimates are based on different parameters it seems clear and that approximately one half million to 2 million you meet the residency and a general requirements contemplated in recent legislative proposals that far fewer would gain permanent residents and eventually citizenship under these proposals. Approximately a hundred 25,000 individuals and 360,000. In light of the reality that the pathway is narrow, this is your demographic characteristics of authorized immigrants brought here as children provide important considerations for policymakers seeking to allow them to successfully achieved print legal status in the United States and become fully contributing members of society. Thank you for the opportunity to testify and be pleased to answer any questions. Thank you. Try and take this opportunity to thank the chairman and a subcommittee for letting me share my very personal story. My parents moved to the United States in the 1980s. I was born in 1987 in california surely after my birth the move back to colombia with money they save working in the u. S. And tried to pursue a live there. They have my sister while were living in colombia and in 1991 when i was for then move back to the u. S. Then move back in order to provide a better life for as kevin wanted us to live without drugs, violence, and daily car bombings that define daily life. Attaining a worldclass education and filling the American Dream. For many years and did not know about my familys immigration status. However, as years passed and began to understand and my family was not like most and even a month parents worked hard to provide for my family and would never be treated this in. My dad worked nights and my dad work mornings in order to make sure i2 sisters and i were never left alone. In this to the meaning of family and how important it was to raise their daughters and a stable home. Mom, and english quickly by volunteering to a school and working with us in our hallmark. I remember my mom asking my teachers to send home extra homework on furnace some of my sisters and i would catch up to other students. My and your sister was born in florida in 1993. We all grew up in the same home, attended the same schools, than english, playing the cross. One major difference that would come to dominate airlines. Natural born u. S. Citizens. My sister was brought here on and now expired visa. It was not until high school that i know for sure about my familys immigration status. So many things that would come up that i could not understand. For example, i was not able to get my drivers license when i turned 16. I cannot tell you how hard it is as a teenager to an appeal to drive. As hard as this was from my end a sister and me there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. New u. S. Citizens she went your High School Graduation knowing that there was no release in sight. College in the normal job. She had to walk across the stage and into the shannons. Sheehan gun to live in the only home shes ever known to the shells had to walk across the stage without our mom watching. Our mom a couple months before had been polled over on a traffic stop, arrested, and forced to leave the country. All of this happening with my sister in the car. This all occurred while i was a sophomore in college and i cannot put into words the level of devastation this cost. My personal well be, academics excess. My sisters and i worked hard in school and all arent Bright Future scholarships. But unlike my and your sister and nine avalon was unable to claim her scholarship because of her undocumented status. As a u. S. Citizen i am unable to attain the American Dream. I am currently pursuing my masters degree been at the university of florida ive learned to cherish every moment i have, especially since. As a u. S. Citizen am hopeful that Congress Finds a way to keep this from happening to other families. As of last year has been over six years since ive seen them on. It has been over six years since her life came to halt. This is the only home she knows. Shes been here for 21 years, yet she is punished every day and forced to live a life in limbo for no reasonable. The American Dream has been bittersweet for my family. Had to watch my sisters and others be denied opportunities afforded to us. The only country she is ever known about what amounts to be an accident of birth. Thank you so much for letting me share my story. Thank you. I would like to thank the chairman, the Ranking Member, and the distinguished members of this committee for the epic and it testified today. And 30 years old. Andersens arkansas has been my home. , and to be a member of the National Coordinating committee. The largest immigrant that network in the country made up 51 affiliates in 25 states. As a network recommended to winning citizenship our families and communities, all 11 million americans. In creating in immigration system that treats all americans with dignity. Parents like my mother, 22 years of the weekend to the u. S. Sagenite so many others who story is been forgotten. She made a courageous decision to travel alone with my four yearold brother and myself. My mother passed all packed all the things in a backpack and we got in a plane in mexico city and a right to dallas, texas. My father would join as one year later in arkansas. Throw my schooling now was involved in every club, organization, and civic group could be a part of and have always had the desire to be involved. It was in music from my trip passion. Remember the best performances were at the university or with a repeat often to offer a scholarship. My parents taught me her family values or greater than anything. Where one went the rest followed i can remember vividly the day i enrolled. My parents went with me. They went with me when i chose my class is, i looked at my door and listened to the Financial Aid office. I found out i was no longer eligible. I was undocumented. A Summer Harbor to the slip through my fingers. To be fully eligible ahead to the u. S. In this. It was then that my mother took my hands one to view the college. Now was calling to. By mothers hard work is the reason im here today. Shes also the reason i am currently in breasted and Henderson State University in arkansas. Pursuing to masters degrees. See the reason my brother is going to the University Arkansas where in two years he will achieve a bachelors degree in culinary arts and is also the reason my 12 yearold brother hopes and aspirations to attend college in the future. We have several processing plants and mrs. Obama first began her work. Her job was to cut chicken tenders with scissors and arrange them in the manila trades that youre able to purchase today and in the pressure store. My successes, but whether he sacrificed everything with their hard work. When members of Congress Tell me i deserve the opportunity to learn citizenship and my mother doesnt i tell them that if anyone deserves that an opportunity to her and citizenship. My mother did what any mother. Provide a better life for children. This is a land of opportunity. We learned that with hard work and perseverance we have the opportunity to succeed. If congress were to adopt an incomplete solution that will provide a path current citizenship, it would be like saying i could not be one of you. I am my mothers daughter. She and i are equal. I am the daughter of the velasquez family and the sister to a brother and sister. I am undocumented in one of the 11 million. Together we are the American Dream. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] im only going to say this once. No response from the audience. We are going to have an orderliness. Express yourself internally. No visible response. The gentleman from virginia, i welcome mr. Bob goodlatte. Thank you, mr. Chairman. It is my pleasure to ask questions of the witnesses and i would like to start with ms. Rivera and ms. Velasquez. Ms. Velasquez said that she did not think that there should be any difference between all of the 11 Million People who are seeking to come here between herself and her mother, for example. But you know your parents and probably the parents of other people who have children who are not lawfully present in the United States. My question for you is these and other parents would be supportive of legislation that would allow your sister and other young people brought here at an early age to get legal status and ultimately u. S. Citizenship but did not address their situation. In other words, the parents situation in the same way. You know, that has been such an incredibly difficult question to answer. My parents, like im sure any other parents, they want what is best for their children. You know, it is easy to say that yes, they would be very happy with that. But at the same time i can tell you that the pain of not having my mother with us is something that i really cant put into words. It is not something that i think, you know, feel comfortable saying that im okay with. Your mother is not here in the United States . Yes, sir. If she were here and she got a different status, say a legal status as opposed to a citizenship status, how to feel about that . I know everyone says my mom is the best. And my mom is the best. From the minute they came here, as i said in my testimony, she was at my teachers classrooms every single day. She was always helping out and making sure that we were as involved in our community as possible. At the time it was extremely annoying. When it comes to my family, knowing my mom, she wants to be a part of this country. She still thinks of herself as an american even though she is in colombia. So i feel that my mom would like a shot at being a citizen and she would like the opportunity and responsibility that comes with that. You know, again, we had up until that happened, we have lived here for close to 20 years before she left and now my dad is a resident and he lives here. This is for what has become what we have ever known. It is very difficult for me to see that you would say that it would be okay with that. And frankly i would not be okay with that. I know the sacrifices my parents made and the long hours that my father worked. I know just how hard it was for them to be separated from everything that they need and everything that they knew. Their home is an example. I certainly understand that you would not want them to have to make that decision. The congress has to make that decision. That is the hard part. Let me ask the doctor if he could comment on the problem that we have here is the determining assurance that we dont have future children brought here under tunnels and so on into United States illegally. In order for congress not to be in the same position to grant status to immigrants 20 years from now, what kinds of measures does the Southern Baptist convention supporting and put into place . Thank you for the question. It is a concern that we resolve this at this time that we not have to have to come back here again as well. I think most are saying secure the border. They believe that workplace verification and other components will have a lot to do with addressing future illegal immigration. If folks cannot get work here, it will discourage them from coming. So we do believe that those of are a couple of components and certainly many others that the committee should consider as well. In your testimony you mentioned that a commitment to pursuit of a higher shod be a deto show that young people have good moral character and a commitment to their futures and thus should be afforded a path to legal status. What should happen to young Illegal Immigrants who do not show such a commitment and are not of good moral character . You know, that is a very tough question in my opinion. The legislation under consideration here twomey requires a certain level of moral character, as well as a commitment to the future. So i think that is going to be necessary for this special track for these particular young people. The rest simply have to be considered along with all of the other 10 million or so undocumented immigrants. At the committee will have to figure out how to address this. There will be some adults who are going to be able to qualify for whatever this committee and ultimately congress chooses to do as well. Unfortunately, some of those children as well are going to be caught in a situation where they have made wrong choices and made it nearly impossible for themselves to find a way for this country to be able to grant them the kind of legal status that we would like to give them. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, chairman. The chair will not recognize the Ranking Member and the subcommittee. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you to the witnesses for such excellent testimony that not only informs us, but i think informs people who are watching this here and across the country on cspan and other members of congress who are watching this and it is so important that you are here. Listening to the two young ladies and ms. Rivera and ms. Velasquez, such a powerful testimony that you have given. As i listen to mr. Goodlatte and his question, i was thinking about the relationship between parents and sons and daughters. I have a son and a daughter about your age. I would do anything for them. I think that you are saying the same about your parents. But heres the problem. When you are getting sons and daughters against moms and dads, you have created really a system that is not healthy. If i am hearing you right, it is not your mother wouldnt do anything for you. It is that you would not permit that. You would not permit your mother to be wounded on the side of the road for your benefit. Is that kind of a good summary of your position. Thank you. You know, doctor duke, we have worked together and i appreciate very much your testimony. It is interesting that there are many issues that you and i do not agree upon. What we have learned on is that they can work on the things that we do agree on. One of those things has been immigration. The religious Liberty Commission as part of the evangelical immigration table and the Statement Released in march calls for Immigration Reform says that it should come and i quote, provide clear steps to citizenship for those who want and qualify. The president of the commission sent a letter to Congress Last month saying that, and i quote from a tough, yet achievable earned pathway to citizenship is a necessary part of broader reform. Is that still your position and the position of the ethics and religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist convention . Thank you for the question. Yes, it is still our position and it is my position that we should not be creating secondclass citizens in this country. We do not do this here. Everyone should have a full opportunity to arise to the full opportunity that this country affords him an citizenship is certainly part of being able to do this. I certainly believe that we do need to create an opportunity for citizenship for those who can qualify by whatever standard this committee and Congress Agrees to. We do agree that that is a component that should be possible for these folks. Thank you very much. I hope that the faithful here in the house listen to your words of advice. When the house last house last took up the dream act, some members of to the floor and they called it a nightmare act. They said that allowing these young people to come out of the shadows and have an opportunity to earn permit permits and citizenship would prevent americans from getting jobs and realizing other opportunities. How would you answer that attack well, certainly we are in a situation in the country right now or we dont have enough jobs, it would seem, but we also have an a lot of jobs that are going unfilled and clearly we need more workers in certain areas than we have right now. We know that the businesses are looking for more workers currently. So clearly there is a need for more workers in this country and the best thing we can do is create is well qualified and educated at their workforce as we possibly can and we have all of these young folks, well over a million who can be brought fully into the workforce we need a lot of needs that we have, we are going to need more workers and eventually everybody who wants a job, a fulltime job will be able to have one and i think that this country needs more workers and not less workers. Thank you very much. I will close by saying whenever we have a hearing like this, i am struck by the courage shown by undocumented individuals. I think of them as aspiring americans. I remember my grandfather who came to this country when he was 16 years old with nothing. His process was to get on a vote and sailed to america and he got off the bow. He never saw his hands again. But he wanted to be an american. Just like you want to be an american. He and generations of aspiring americans came and built up this country. To think that our future will not be enriched by people who have enough hope and enough courage and ambition to want to be a free american and build our country, that that future the future would not be enriched, it is just a mistake. People who want to come and throw in their lot with us and build a better country, our future will be strengthened and i do not believe that we need to ration out. I think that we ought to embrace that just as immigrants built our past and they will help us build a most great future for americans. Thank you all for your wonderful testimony today. We think the gentle lady from california. We now recognize the gentleman from iowa. Thank you, mr. Chairman. The witnesses here im gathering my thoughts and trying to digest what has taken place here today. The first question i would ask is for ms. Velasquez. Your testimony here. I can hear the emotion in her voice. Would you characterize the life you had in the United States and you individually living in the shadows . Im sorry . Would you characterize your life is living in the shadows . Living in the shadows wasnt an option for me. I was a voice to some members of my community, some of the kids are going to college there that there were wanting to go to college came up and i had to force myself to them and let them know that. You are not characterize your life as living in the shadows . No, sir. Thank you, i appreciate that. In regards to doctor duke, listening to your testimony and other call this the sins of the father section, i understand at the point that the sins of the son shall not be punished by the father onto the father and vice versa. But i look at that. I also read through the rest of your testimony. The balance of what he said. It appears to me that he would you punish the parents who bring their children here, you just wouldnt do so in this bill. Did i read that crackly . Thank you for the question, congressman. No, i am not saying that we should hold the parents accountable for the choices that they made. They do need to be appropriate and forms of restitution and penalties. That he would not apply current lock them . He would exempt them from current law and want to write a new law that would be less onerous than the current law . Yes, sir, i think that what we are saying is that i am asking you to create another set of penalties for the law other than the penalty that currently exist. Would this be under the concept of mercy . Well, mercy at the very least but also in my opinion simply a matter of practicality and humanity. Mercy at the very least. Can you cite any place in the bible where mercy is not accompanied by repentance . Well, congressman, i simply know that god says i will have mercy on whom i will have mercy and he gives the freedom to choose. We are pretty sure he calls for repentance as christians. He gets to choose what circumstances that he has mercy and we get to choose when we have mercy. Let me suggest that we couldnt teach christianity without christianity being a component. Want to make that point. Also, i know that the Southern Baptists conference has cited this. And that is a central theme also, which i am surprised in this testimony and i would expect he would adhere to that proposal as well. Is that the illogical in philosophy . Yes, sir, that is correct. Are you aware when we see this and you look back through the grief, which is a foundation of interpretation of the most of the modernday bible they i know, the word stranger is a greek word. Are you aware that really means within that context a guest foreigner, invited guest rather than someone who came in against the law . Yes, sir. I understand that there are various understandings of how that word is interpreted. So you wouldnt interpret matthew 25 cole 35 as you are part of this whether they were invited were uninvited . Yes, sir, and that is what correct. We are not required to invite anyone who comes into our homes. But we are required to express hospitality. I would suggest that according to the greek interpretation of the word stranger and invited guest. Let me move on also. St. Paul gave a sermon in acts 17. In that he said, and god made every nation on earth. And he decided when and where each nation would be. And he granted the authority to the elected officials within the country to set the border and control the border and that is the definition of sovereignty as i understand that. Would you have a different understanding of this sermon . No, sir. I think that god gives human beings reading to create their own borders and to establish thomas. Thank you very much. I appreciate all of the witnesses. Which it recognizes the gentleman from michigan. The Ranking Member of the full committee. Mr. Conyers. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Welcome to all of our witnesses. I am very impressed by the overall direction that all of the witnesses have made in their understanding of how we deal with not only the dreamers, but what their parents have drunk as well. One thing that concerns me is that sometimes we manage to have a growing tendency in that direction in congress. But the separation of the children. The dreamers from their parents. It is something that still troubles me and i would like to just i would like to build upon the witness list and see if you share any of this with me. I always like to start with the Vice President of the Southern Baptist convention and one of these days we will get a witness from the northern Baptist Convention here, but it hasnt happened yet. On as many of them. That is a good reason. Thank you, congressman. [laughter] i do share concerns for the parents of these young men and women and they are in a different circumstance because they purposefully have violated the law. It is difficult for me to see how we can address the circumstance for these particular young people and also address the parents needs without talking about a full immigration solution. Solutions. Comprehensive. Yes, sir, a complete immigration solutions. Addressing not only their parents but those who were born here as well who need their circumstances to be addressed. May ask you for your feelings on this part of the discussion. I would like to say that this is based upon congress and it is not the way that we would approach the approaching issue of. That means that you wouldnt think of it as a comprehensive order that we could create a path for citizenship even for the parents although they have without a doubt violated some of the immigration rules. We cite this by saying on both sides of the aisle that the immigration system is broken. It is not a matter of worrying too much about these rules, it is can we construct some others. Perhaps listening to your question, i thought you said, that i have a feeling of concern about that. I would say for my organization overall, a big deal over the years has focused on the need for more comprehensive approaches to reform if we are to fix the system. I would just say that there is a distinction between that and the question you have asked. Thank you. Ms. Rivera, lets say you, what do you have to say . I am supportive of comprehensive Immigration Reform. Anything that helps families stay together. I believe that that is the epitome, at least what my family was raised upon. I think that it was for the wellbeing of children and i think it is for the wellbeing of america. The family unit is probably the most important unit that we have in society. So we keep the dreamers and we work our way for a path for citizenship and what bothers me is what do we do with the parents. Do we kick them out, do we separate. We separate them from the children who were born in the country. No, i dont think that that is a real option. I believe that that can cause damage. I can tell you that i recently got married, last month. And i had to make the decision of trying to figure out how to do the wedding because i have my sister who cannot leave the country and that my mother who cannot come into the country. So i was engaged for two years hoping that some kind of solution would occur. That at the very least, my sister would be able to travel to colombia. So finally, we just had to give in and we had to get married. And it was wonderful, but my mom was there via face time. Thank you so much. Mr. Chairman, could i get a response from ms. Velasquez . We can go on. My time has expired. Certainly, mr. Conyers. Please answer his question. Thank you. Back home i was taught that what this country was founded on was family values and christian values and courage in equality and equality and justice and i hope that this hearing is the first step to addressing not only able solution for me before my parents as well. And very much. I think the gentleman from michigan and we now recognize the gentleman from ohio. Let me thank everyone. It is such good emotional testimony and we appreciate that. Ms. Velasquez and ms. Rivera. Just a we are all clear you also support these path to citizenship for dreamers and he would support a path to citizenship for parents as well. Yes, sir. Ms. Rivera . Ms. Velasquez . Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Path to citizenship for dreamers is what were talking about today. Would you support a path for parents . The organization i am asking what do you think. Can you speak on behalf of yourself or do you want to talk about her association . Okay, thank you, congressman for the question. I believe that there should be a way forward. What about the rest of the estimated 11 million illegals here. Do you support a path to citizenship for those individual. Yes, sir, i support this. Yes, sir. Has Southern Baptist taken a position on that . We all know that you are for the dreamers except that one individual doesnt want responded. Yes, sir, in a resolution of 2001, we did call for a legal status for the undocumented immigrants here in our presence in this country and further reflections since then. We are also asking for a way forward for citizenship for those 11 million as well. That is her position . Position of the Southern Baptist . The Southern Baptists have not treated efficiently that that is their position. You support the comprehensive bill passed by the United States senate enact. I support a pathway to citizenship. We looked at the senate bill . Yes, sir. Report oregon state . I supported. Can you comment on the senate bill . Yes, i have. We have not taken a position. Retaken position on the senate bill . We have not taken a position on this bill as of yet. No, sir we have not. Is or anything, even though you have not taken a formal position, in the position of the Southern Baptist this is a Border Security must happen before. We do need to address the circumstances and that it needs to be done as a package in order to make sure that all of the needs of our nation and of the undocumented immigrants are addressed. You have any concern . Mr. Chairman, i have one more. You have any question about the scummy talked about this in the Opening Statements. That is, in fact, we passed a dream act for young people, that we will have to make sure because we have to maintain the border is a sovereign nation. We hope to get to places where we secure the border and we are looking to to make sure that there is a mechanism in place. All of our country is working on resolving this problem. Thank you, mr. Chairman. We now recognize the gentleman from ohio. Thank you so much. Thank you to all of the witnesses. It is very compelling. We are delighted to be having a hearing that i think really brings into perspective this committee. I like to talk about and say to ms. Velasquez, we love your mom. As you described, and i love her to. Thank you. You are welcome. I will let her know that. And ms. Rivera, you have two siblings. Is that right . One of them is an american citizen like you . Yes, sir. How important is it for you as an american citizen that you do your mom back . It would mean a lot. It is hard because there are so many things that you cant call your mom and tell her about. Some instances when people dont have to think about this and dont even realize how we take it for granted. I know how difficult it is. I understand that this issue is incredibly complicated. I have two daughters and i can imagine what their life would be like without their mother. You know, i do those kinds of things, right . And then there is all the other stuff that moms do and parents do. Moms are so important in peoples lives and we should think about this. I dont think about them as much as i think they say to my colleagues. I think simply about ourselves and i think about what a relationship is to her children and how important i know every member is on this panel is and has been and can simply look at it in terms of your own life and what with their lives be like without us. I dont think it would be the same. It is want to say that this isnt about the senate bill. We can draft one here in the house of representatives. We have the skills and knowledge we have the fortitude to get us through those discussions. Twenty or 30 years, every fact like this, then undocumented person has been on the Social Security trust and is gone and has vanished. It was confiscated in the senate bill. Ten or 15 or 25 years, i think that the congress can have comprehensive health care for everybody. It is gone, 11 or 10 years, dont expect the subsidy paid every test imaginable and fulfill every financial responsibility and do not expect one program. Not one. And in tenures forget about when your brothers and sisters here because that is gone. And if that isnt enough, 20,000 more Border Patrol agents. But that is worth it, what you are doing. What we are doing is worth it to sit down. And i want to extend another hand to the other side of the aisle to say all of those things, i dont like them, but im willing to accept them because the alternative is the kind of pain to you here in a young ladys voice. And you have to multiply what they said here millions of times. I just want you to think of those millions, each and everyday, pain and devastation this in our community. Thank you for the personal testimony. Thank you for humanizing this issue and for all of us. Because i think that is going to help inform this committee better than any statistics cant thank you so much. Thank you. I think the gentleman from illinois. The gentleman from idaho is now recognize. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Mr. Rivera, and only disagreed with one thing in her testimony and it ended is that my mom is the best. [laughter] to no, i just actually have a few questions that i appreciate both of you testifying today. Talking about the immigration system that we are currently living with. Are you familiar with the immigration system and what it is like in colombia . I am not. You know what would happen if i enter the country illegally today . No, sir. You know what happened to my kids that i would bring into colombia legally. No, sir. They understand that the treatment would be vastly different than the treatment you and your family have received here. Since you came before us and i dont like to ask questions. You said that you are a u. S. Citizen. Yes, sir. And your mom can come to the United States . Hows that possible when you are a u. S. Citizen . What has happened . My mother, when i was a sophomore in college, was pulled over for a minor traffic citation. She was arrested and i believe she was she was then arrested and then i. C. E. On uninvolved and she was taken to a detention center. Unfortunately for us at the time i was not aware of all of the Different Things i want to clarify something. She was arrested. Shes returned to colombia. Is that correct . She was taken to a detention center. Then a couple months later. And you are over the age of 21. Not at the time. But today you are . Yes. Why cant you apply for her to come heavyset. Her visa was approved in the u. S. And then when she went to the embassy, she was denied. The know why she was denied . They said that the tenyear ban for leaving the country was a part of that. Did you file a waiver . My father just yes or no. Yes, he had. They have not approved that yet . No. There is a way for your mom to come if you file a waiver and all of those things . I dont know. Im not trying to embarrass you or put you onto the spot. One of the things were talking about doing is removing some of these waivers that are actually preventing people that have removed from coming back legally. And if we can pass in this legislation. It would actually help you and your family. Its one it is one of the things im trying to accomplish. So now, in your testimony, you said something that i found a little bit hard to understand. You said that if congress were to adopt an incomplete solution that would provide a path for dreamers like me, but something left for our parents, it would be like saying that i can be one of you come upon a parents can never be. They also said come, do we really want to ignore the values by giving her parents a seat at the back of the bus type of legalization. That is highly inaccurate. It is highly its a little bit dismissive of our current immigration system. Are you film earlier with the process of h1b1 . No. It is somebody who works as a guest worker in the hightech industry requires a College Degree and children in the United States it would become citizens, but i would not be i dont necessarily have the right become a citizen of the United States. I can apply for citizenship, but there is nothing but technically says i have to become a citizen. Their millions of people who come to the United States who have children and they still have to leave even though they came here legally. Are you aware of that . I did not know that. Okay, it wouldnt be treating your family any different than we treat the millions of people who actually come legally to the United States and they dont have a right to stay in the United States. Now, i want to find a way to help the 11 million. I dont have a problem with that. But to come here to congress and say that we are putting your parents on the back of the bus, we are treating them the same way that we would treat anyone else who came here legally who doesnt have a right to citizenship. I think you need to really rethink the rhetoric because there are people who are here legally that do not become citizens of the United States and they have children. They have values. They have the same beliefs. Everything that you have, but the law does not allow them to become citizens, yet they can stay here as guest workers in many, many industries. I want to find a solution for this problem. I want us to treat everyone fairly. But like i said in my opening statement, the most important thing for me is the rule of law and making in making sure that we prevent having this problem it 10 years from now, 20 or so now. Frankly, that is not fair to either one of you if we continue to have these problems and there is going to be another missed velazquez who will come to congress and tell us what the compelling story but their families and how their families need to have a new legal status. I want to help you. I want to help your family. But most importantly i want to make sure that we fix the problems that we have so that we do not have to have this conversation again snack i think the government. We now recognize the gentle lady from texas. Let me thank the chairman. I join with the idea whenever we make steps towards improving lives and active legislature, we are doing the right thing because that is a challenge and a chart. To fix americas problem. I want to acknowledge my appreciation for all of the witnesses. But i do wish to thank in particular this list has and mr. Vieira. Because along with your knowledge, there are personal stories that are being told and ms. Rivera, i cannot thank you enough for discussing something so personal. I think that we can all appreciate each others humanity. Thats what we are talking about is not the nuts and bolts of moving checkers or chess pieces on a chess board. We are talking about human life and i believe that we have held human lives in the balance too long. This has been going on too long. The key to this is not a presupposing or predictive ill in disaster and devastation, but to look at the senate bill is a marker in terms of attempting to frame doctor duke and the relief this time so that we do not have the idea of someone being able to say that this will happen again. Doctor duke, i would like to pose this question to you. We thank you for representing the Southern Baptists this morning. We were with the evangelicals who have made a commitment in heaven braced people from different faiths. They believe that it is time to move on the human aspect of it. As you listen to mr. Rivera, you know that there is a comprehensive pathway to citizenship and there is a crack in the armor when you suggest that you will take the children. I do know that some years back the Ranking Member and myself worked together on what kind of facilities young people are in and previously in Detention Centers there was not a pretty scene. He was not a pretty scene when you have two separate families. So the human questions arose. The idea of Human Trafficking is so hard. I come from a city that has enormous problems with Human Trafficking. So my question to you today is do you see the value in taking the comprehensive approach and regular as icing family members, agriculture workers, tech workers, other skilled workers. Those that rein in what our friends have been speaking of. It for the question, congressman. Yes, we believe that we do need to address the entire 11 million or so undocumented immigrants here that their family unification is an important aspect of Immigration Reform. The question for us with this particular question on these particular children to us is a little bit different than their parents, simply because their children did not break any laws. I just do not see how you can address those who did not break laws of that particular group differently than you address all the other parents of children who broke the law. That needs to be addressed in a bigger package that you are working on today. And if you are hopeful, that you will work on and this aspect of these particular children become a part of this entire package that does ultimately ensure that this remark you can support comprehensive Immigration Reform . Yes, we support a full Immigration Reform. Let me get these questions out. Missed the left has, can you talk to me about the pain of separation from parents or the pain that young people have. The pain that you are experiencing, even though youre over 21. Just two i am not talking about your mother. Im assuming shes in colombia . The. Yes, she is. What is the pain . It is very difficult. It is of the Little Things that add up. Birthdays and celebrations, graduations, weddings and all sorts of things that become harder and harder. It is having to see my sister who is unable to see that the only way that she can interact with my mother is with your camera. It is incredibly difficult. As i said in my testimony, it affected me in school and i have to i have to reach out to my college of liberal arts tonight counselors and let them know what was going on because i could not concentrate. I was an undergrad student trying to understand Immigration Law, which is just about impossible. Filing paperwork. It is very difficult. The pain and the community exists and we have several families are part of that. We are asking about the fight of the children and then had them having to go back to places that they havent been to in a long time. There waiting to be deported and i can see every time, i can see the pain in her eyes that she has whenever she talks to me about how much she misses him. So just the thought of not being there with him is terrifying to me. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, i am leaving back saying that their duty is to take these kinds of problem problems, even if they are tough. The chair recognizes the gentleman for unanimous consent and then the gentleman from nevada. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I ask that we make it part of the record, statements from the congressional asia pacific and the National Immigration forum. The American Civil Liberties union and the Justice Center and the asian america evincing system, the National Education system and the World Service as well as a statement on citizenship from the evangelical immigration table and a poll from last week from the Gallup Organization as seen by americans stack without objection. The gentleman from nevada. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I want to associate myself with the remarks of my colleagues from texas. Although a wish that mr. Gutierrez was here. I wanted to talk to him about teaching people to try it. Since he is not, we will not bring it up. This doesnt happen again. We want to make sure that this does not happen again. Everybody has concentrated on what the problem is now and rightfully so. But we do not have that luxury of concentrating on that. Circumstances have been well represented. I quite frankly believe that the hardest thing for anybody to do is go back to the people that they represent in the district and say that we did nothing. Does anyone on the panel think that what is going on now is okay and the status quo is okay . Record should reflect that nobody answered in the affirmative. Let me ask you this. I wanted to ask you to branch out beyond your personal circumstances, getting her parents together and all of that stuff which is understandable of human nature. I will start with you, ms. Velasquez, do you have any acknowledgment of what the thought process was when your mother, if i recall correctly, when she said that, you know what, i am going there and i am staying, and im taking my 2yearold in an age does not matter and im asking the question in the context because one of the toughest things to justify it in 86, here we are in 2013. We are going to deal with it hopefully. We should. But now we have an indication how do you make sure nobody comes here if dean or 20 years from now and has to do where you are and tell the stories about what is that peace and with all due respect, there is a gulf coast and north of montana what is your thought of how you make sure that it this does not happen again once we deal with this . Any suggestions. I think that is your responsibility, congressman. I think that you hold the answer to what we are going through. I appreciate that. But when you say that i want you to deal with it, you cannot say that i have nothing to give you. Heres what i want to do for me. I mean if you can. Then you risk whatever we come up with. Ms. Rivera. Thank you, congressman. To answer the first part of that question, colombia in the 80s and early 90s is a very scary place to be. When parents did right and they did not do anything other than what i would do it for my children, trying to give every opportunity and they wanted to get us out of there because it was so dangerous. To adjust the second part of your question it is very difficult to say how you fix this problem. You know, i know that you guys are incredibly talented and i know that you may think about that that is a copout, but i really think that you know, sitting down and talking with us, you can figure that out. Thank you for college and that and the fact that the folks on the south side of the building should have a shot at us as well as the folks from the north side of the building. Any thoughts . What have other countries done and what do you do so you just dont keep turning the wheel and having new groups that are disenfranchised because our Current System obviously isnt working. I am not involved in a lot of different areas. But you may be aware that we have published extensive analyses of interior and border enforcement systems and we have done work and looking at how other areas are handling these issues and we have done a great deal of analysis. Briefly, you know that there are no easy answers. Yes, it is unanimous suffice for my congressman, thank you for your question. It is the correct question. You know, there will always be some people here illegally and we will never get 100 security at that point. But certainly the workplace is a large draw. If you can talk about this to verify for most employment circumstances, that will deal with a lot of it. We need a better way to track pieces as well so that folks are not overstayed their visas and to me it is offensive that the folks who gave their word that they would only be her certain amount of time have chosen to back out on their word. To overstayed their races. For me that is a concern as well. So you should really address that as well. And of course, Border Security. It would help as well. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, chairman kerry turner recognizes the individual for questioning. Several of my colleagues have made reference to the bible and i am almost positive that a couple named joseph and mary immigrated according to one of the gospels to egypt when looking for their son. But i would like to ask you this according to the gospel of matthew. This is what we are talking about from an equity or fairness standpoint. I never understood why god preferred is all over jacob. I never understood why they killed the fattened calf for the prodigal son when the other son had done exactly right. Exactly the way he was supposed to do it. He did not squander his fortune. He did what his father asked him to do. So imagine a couple every bit as bright and engaging and beautiful as ms. Rivera. And they did it the way that we asked them to do it. What are the equities of jumping anyone ahead of them in line . In my congressman, thank you for the question. It is a tough question and your question is still being debated and will be debated until this longer term i am sure. You are not alone in that sense i believe that the reality is we have a situation that nobody wants. But it is a real situation that we are doing that and we have 11 Million People here and we cannot continue to allow them to live in the circumstances that they are living in. It is not right for them and it is not in our countries best interest and we need to address that if we are going to secure the borders and track 11 Million People here, we better figure out a way to stop them from consigning lives of poverty. Or have a bare subsistence