FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 19, 2002
CONTACT: LINDA MACIAS/PAUL TODD (202) 225-6161

Congressman Baca Calls for the Protection of Immigrant Rights in
New Homeland Security Department

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As work continues this week on the creation of a Department of Homeland Security, Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) urged his colleagues to work towards a bill that ensures our nation's security while protecting the rights of all individuals in this country.

"As Congress now addresses the proposal to create a new federal agency, we will work in a bipartisan spirit to secure our nation," Baca said. "We believe that increasing our security does not have to come at the expense of the rights we Americans hold so dear."

Democrats have endorsed the creation of a Department of Homeland Security and have fought hard to provide the military and first responders with the resources necessary to make our nation safe from terrorism. House Democrats were the first to develop and introduce comprehensive legislation to protect our nation against terrorism following the September 11^th attacks."

The Bioterrorism Protection Act (BioPAct) and United States Security Act (USA Act), both introduced by Democrats, set up mechanisms to respond to threats of terrorism and provide first responders the resources they need to meet the new demands of increased security.

More recently, Baca introduced legislation that would streamline the immigration process by allowing foreign applicants file their applications electronically through certified intermediaries. The bill would ensure fair treatment of immigrants, lower the cost of the application process, and increase security by creating a process that would take hours, not months or years. Long waits and antiquated paper-based processes allow potential terrorists to reside inside the country for months or years with no way of tracking them or determining their intentions.

"We will also ensure that the vital contributions made by our immigrant communities are not undermined in our effort to secure the United States from terrorism," Baca said. "We feel strongly that establishing a new, more efficient immigration service within the new Department does not have to undermine the rights or contributions of these hard-working individuals."

"We believe that the mission of our immigration services, including providing eligible newcomers with access to services that aid them in reuniting with family members, escaping political persecution, and becoming U.S. citizens, should not be shortchanged," Baca said. "People from all over the world have brought their talents and commitment to creating a better life in this country, and we want equitable treatment for all our nation's immigrants."

"We will continue to work for a policy that provides for our national security but continues to embrace the contributions made by immigrants," Baca said. "These policies will allow our nation to grow and prosper."

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