Speech #1090179965

This celebration should serve as a call to action for Congress. We must ensure that Hispanic Americans have access to educational and economic opportunities as they pursue the American dream. I have long fought attempts to cut funding for important programs such as Pell grants. the High School Equivalency Program. and College Assistance Migrant Program. I have cosponsored the DREAM Actthe Development. Relief. and Education for Alien Minors Actwhich would provide higher education opportunities for children who are longterm U.S. residents of good moral character. and who came to this country illegally as children through no fault of their own. Another crucial piece of legislation is AgJOBSthe Agricultural Job Opportunities. Benefits. and Security Act. This proposal would enable undocumented agricultural workers to legalize their status. and would reform the H2A agricultural worker visa program so that growers and workers will not continue to rely on illegal paths to employment in the future. Congress must also continue working toward establishing a realistic immigration system that has adequate opportunities for people to come to the United States legally. In Wisconsin. businessowners have come to rely on foreign workers for their economic success. Simply imposing new border security measures alone. which some have advocated. is not enough. In closing. I want to express my hope that Congress will work to address these issues and other urgent matters for Hispanic Americans across the country.