Date: June 6, 2003
Contact: Laura C.O’Neill (202) 225-6161 
Linda Macias (202) 225-6161

NEWS RELEASE...
 

Congressman Baca appointed Vice Chair of Immigration Task Force
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) was appointed yesterday to sit as vice chairman of the Democratic Caucus Task Force on Immigration. The Task Force comprised of 33 Democratic members of the House of Representatives will focus on immigration and naturalization issues that were halted after September 11, 2001.  

“I look forward to working with my Democratic Colleagues on the issue of immigration,” Baca said. “There are a lot of hardworking people trying to come to this country that are wrongfully being delayed. We need to focus on the problems with our immigration system and propose practical solutions.” 

“We should be taking a close look at reviving 245 (i),” Baca said. “And perhaps pursuing border issues, accelerating the citizenship process for immigrants joining the military, and certain student adjustments to ensure that our university doors remain open to serious students from all over the world,” Baca said. 

“We also should consider taking a look at putting fraudulent immigration services out of business,” Baca said.  

“This task force has great potential,” Baca said. “After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, many members have shied away from reviewing immigration policy. It is crucial to remember that all immigrants are not terrorists and deserve to have the doors of opportunity kept open for them.” 

“I fear that many conservatives used September 11, 2001, as merely an excuse to put in place an anti-immigrant agenda they had been pursuing for a long time,” Baca said. “We must become active again to make sure that that is not the case.”  

Representative Luis Guiterrez (D-IL) currently sits as Task Force Chairman. Baca will share the Vice President Chair with Representatives Calvin Dooley (D-CA) and David Wu (D-OR). 

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