SCHAKOWSKY WELCOMES IMMIGRANT WORKERS FREEDOM RIDERS

OCTOBER 2, 2003

SCHAKOWSKY WELCOMES IMMIGRANT WORKERS FREEDOM RIDERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Addressing hundreds of Immigrant Workers Freedom Riders from across the country, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) said, "You deserve justice and fairness. I am proud to stand in solidarity with you in your fight for justice, fairness, and opportunity."

The Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride, modeled after the historic freedom rides of the 1960s, included immigrants who traveled to Washington, D.C. from Texas, Illinois, California North Carolina and Florida.

Schakowsky added, "I am a first generation immigrant. My grandparents came to this country looking for freedom and opportunity and a chance to live the American dream. You are here today asking that you and your family have that same opportunity."

"I stand with you in fighting for policies that will provide you and others with a path to legalization and citizenship. I stand with you in fighting for policies that will allow you to reunite with your family members. I stand with you in fighting to protect your civil liberties and to ensure that you have the same protections on the job as all other workers," she continued. "We must open the doors of higher education to immigrant students and secure health care for all, including you and your children."

Schakowsky commend the broad coalition of labor unions, immigrant and civil rights advocates, religious leaders, and community organizers for organizing this historic Movement.

She concluded, "I want to thank each and every Immigrant Freedom Rider for your courage, your commitment to justice, and your passion for securing the rights of all immigrants. Together, we can win a better America. Si, se puede!"