U.S. Hispanic Caucus
U.S. Hispanic Caucus
U.S. House Representative Bill Richardson (D-NM) speaking with Rep. Robert Garcia (D-NY). Rep. Matthew Martinez (D-CA) standing, looking around, fidgeting with his arms. Solomon Ortiz (D-TX) sitting at table. Rep. Garcia sitting table, briefly speaking to someone off camera. Rep. Roybal (D-CA) sitting at table, asking someone off camera: "Well, how's this going to be handled?" Adult Hispanic woman comes to his seat, bending down to speak to him. Rep. Richardson seated, looking over the room; Rep. Garcia: "Are we all ready? Esteban, is he coming? Does he know?" Esteban: "He knows about it." Garcia: "Let's wait three more minutes." Rep. Martinez writing and looking over notes. Rep. Garcia speaking to individual off camera. U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Ron De Lugo (D) seated.
U.S. Hispanic Caucus
U.S. House Representative Robert Garcia (D-NY) begins press conference: "We were waiting for a few of the other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to arrive, but I think it's important we get started. Number one, before I read from my prepared statement, I would like to make it very clear to the press, and to all those who are here, that this was a major victory for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. It was the first significant victory that we have had a cohesive body of Hispanics from various parts of this country who are today members of the United States Congress. First of all, I can't tell you how happy I am about the Speaker's announcement. All of you know that the immigration bill that is now pending, Simpson-Mazzoli, will not come to the House floor this year, and as the bill is presently structured, he made it very clear that he will seek our advice and counsel. There are many groups who have been with us during the heat of this discussion on Simpson-Mazzoli. There are many groups who have been opposed to us." Adult Caucasian male reporter writing down notes.
U.S. Hispanic Caucus
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-NY) speaking for members of the Hispanic Caucus; panel includes Rep. Bill Richardson (D-NM), Edward Roybal (D-CA), Matthew Martinez (D-CA). Rep. Roybal and Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-TX) seated at table, listening; two adult Hispanic men seated behind them. U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Ron De Lugo (D) sitting beside Rep. Esteban Torres (D-CA); Torres writing notes.
U.S. Hispanic Caucus
Members of the U.S. Hispanic Caucus at press conference; Representatives Matthew Martinez (D-CA), Bill Richardson (D-NM), Robert Garcia (D-NY), Solomon Ortiz (D-TX), Esteban Torres (D-CA), and Ron De Lugo (D) listening to Rep. Edward Roybal (D-CA) speaking: "...but for all Americans' cherished liberties and freedom. The Speaker has affirmed that minorities and those that rely upon the righteousness of their government for justice, can turn to the House of Representatives. For Hispanics, the withdrawal of this legislation is the most important civil rights victory in the Congress in many years. This legislation would have locked millions of Americans into the bottom of the economic ladder, where regardless of their U.S. citizenship, they would have been treated with suspicion and been the victims of discrimination. This bill would have resulted in massive civil rights violations by creating a system of sanctions which would have reduced the employment opportunities of every Hispanic citizen in the United States. Most dangerously, however, this bill would have created a national identification system almost similar to that imposed by Hitler during his regime in Germany. This system would have led to the harassment and discrimination of millions of Americans, and ultimately violated the rights and civil liberties of every American in the United States. A nation founded upon freedom can never tolerate a national identification system such as this. The opposition to this bill was not limited to Hispanics. It seems that any opposition that is talked about is just that Hispanic community, but this is not necessarily so. The vast majority of the Hispanic community was, of course, against the bill...."
U.S. Hispanic Caucus
Members of the U.S. Hispanic Caucus, Representatives Matthew Martinez (D-CA), Edward Roybal (D-CA), Robert Garcia (D-NY), Solomon Ortiz (D-TX), Esteban Torres (D-CA), and U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Ron De Lugo (D) listening to Rep. Bill Richardson (D-NM) speaking (no audio); two adult Caucasian men and adult Hispanic woman standing in BG. Adult Caucasian male and female members of the media listening, writing down notes. Adult Caucasian woman leaning against wall, listening. Adult Caucasian male reporters sitting around table; adult Caucasian cameramen in BG. Adult Caucasian male journalist seated at table, listening. Reps. Esteban Torres (D-CA), and U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Ron De Lugo (D) listening; two adult Caucasian men and an adult Hispanic woman standing in BG. Adult Caucasian male production assistant recording audio.
U.S. Hispanic Caucus
Adult Caucasian woman listening to U.S. Congressional Hispanic Caucus press conference. U.S. House Representative Robert Garcia (D-NY) introducing Rep. Matthew Martinez (D-CA) to speak next. VS of adult Caucasian male and female members of the media taking notes.
U.S. Hispanic Caucus
U.S. House Representative Esteban Torres (D-CA) speaking: "Echoing, again, what Mr. Richardson said, that illegal immigration is not a domestic problem, but is a problem that transcends our borders. It's a foreign policy question, and we've got to begin to address it in that fashion."
U.S. Hispanic Caucus
Adult Hispanic man, representing the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, speaking: "... and taking the opportunity to pull it and not bring it before the House. We also would like to thank the Caucus itself for taking the lead in contacting the Speaker and voicing the opposition that has been present in the Hispanic community. One thing that we, as M.A.L.D.E.F., and I'm sure L.U.L.A.C. [League of United Latin American Citizens] has been accused of, is being out of step with the community. The problem is that all these accusations have been made by groups who themselves have no ties to the Mexican community; who have no sense of how much opposition there has been in the Hispanic community against this piece of legislation. In addition, it is not just Hispanic opposition to this bill that has stirred the controversy. There have been a number of other organizations, including the A.C.L.U. [American Civil Liberties Union], Church World Services, a number of refugee organizations, the American Institute of Immigration Lawyers; all of which have been very much opposed to the bill, all of which have helped us show the oppositions and the flaws in this piece of legislation. Finally, we are going to be continuing to monitor, especially the activities of the I.N.S. [Immigration and Naturalization Services], to make sure they do not start any retaliatory actions with raids and sweeps of our communities, which always have a tremendous impact on citizens and permanent resident aliens. That's why we've been trying to avoid in opposing this legislation, and we'll be continuing to monitor that as well."
U.S. Hispanic Caucus
Adult Hispanic man speaking: "One thing, very quickly, I'd like to thank the groups that have really put two years of work into this effort: the American Civil Liberties Union, the World Church Services, the American G.I. Forum, the American Consulate La Raza, the National Committee Against Repressive Legislation, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and many, many local groups around the country. But, perhaps the greatest tribute is to the Hispanic Caucus, who rightfully took the gauntlet and ran with it, and put the pressure where it had to be put, and really sensitized the Speaker of the House within a very short two week period; to understand the very serious repercussions, not only to Hispanics, primarily to Hispanics, but not only to Hispanics. The tremendous repercussions that this bill would have had on Hispanics in this country, and more importantly to the country as a whole. The passage of such bad legislation is an insult to the integrity of this Congress. It would have been an insult to the fairness of American society as it is known across the world. And it is our hope, as Congressman Richardson and all others have indicated today, that the true test of whether we actually respond to the challenge is if in fact we can develop a legislative piece that is acceptable to all people as best, and under the circumstances. In closing, it is our hope that the President of this country will not attempt to follow through on the very bad advice that he has continually received on this issue from the Attorney General of the United States. It is truly unfortunate that the Attorney General has given such very poor, substantive and political advice to this President on this issue, and we hope that he will not make it a partisan issue and continue to insist passage of this bill or reconsideration."
U.S. Hispanic Caucus
U.S. House Representative Edward Roybal (D-CA) answering questions at press conference.