Mr. Speaker. I rise today to ask my colleagues in this body to stop blocking comprehensive immigration reform. Immigrants are our neighbors. our friends. our caretakers and fellow worshippers. They contribute more than $10 billion to our economy each year. and more than 35.000 immigrants are actively defending our Nation as members of the Armed Forces. More than 200 Medals of Honor have been given to immigrant servicemembers for their actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One hundred one nonU.S. citizens. like my constituent. Francisco Martinez Flores. died in military action September 11. 2001. He was a green card soldier. Just yesterday our Nations top general. Marine General Peter Pace. defended immigrants. saying the first Marine he lost in combat in Vietnam was an immigrant soldier. And he said that he continues to be on active duty because he says he still owes those who served with him in Vietnam. regardless of their status. Immigrants. their families and families across the country deserve more 52. Pt. 10 July 11. 2006 than sham hearings and enforcementonly policies. Lets ask for a comprehensive immigration reform that takes care of all of our soldiers and all people defending our rights here in America.
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