Representative Hilda L. Solis Introduces Resolution to Honor Freedom Riders

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Representative Hilda L. Solis (CA-32), along with Representative Michael Honda (CA-15), introduced a House Resolution to express support for the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride, to honor the Freedom Riders for their courageous campaign, and to encourage the President and Congress to enact policies that support the goals of the Freedom Ride, including: legalization and a "Road to Citizenship" for immigrant workers, reunion of families in a timely fashion by streamlining our outdated immigration policies and protection and restoration of workplace rights for immigrants.

"Our immigration system is broken. It fails to recognize the contributions of hard working, tax paying immigrants and the labor needs of our economy. We should reform our laws to reward work and reunite families," said Congresswoman Solis.
Modeled after the Freedom Rides of the civil rights movement in the early 1960's, the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride is made up of hundreds of immigrant workers who have traveled through numerous cities across America including Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress and raise awareness about the injustices of current policies toward immigrant workers and to demand fair treatment.

"Immigrants workers make indispensable contributions to our economy and our communities. Like in 1961, today's Freedom Riders are fighting for an end to unjust policies," said Congresswoman Solis. "I urge my colleagues in Congress to show their support for the Freedom Riders and the urgent need for reform by supporting the resolution I introduced today."

According to the United States Department of Commerce, immigrant workers comprise 12.4 percent of the Nation's labor force in 2000. The Immigrant Worker Freedom Ride is sponsored by a large coalition of religious groups, labor unions, immigrant advocates, and civil rights organizations. For more information about the ImmigrantWorkers Freedom Ride visit www.iwfr.org <https://www.iwfr.org>.

The co-sponsors include Representatives Howard Berman, Luis Gutierrez, Linda Sanchez, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Major Owens, Barbara Lee, Raul Grijalva, Joseph Crowley, Jose Serrano, Jim McDermott, Silvestre Reyes, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Janice Schakowsky, George Miller, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ciro Rodriguez, Edolphus Towns, Donald Payne, Bob Filner, John Lewis and Rosa DeLauro.

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