Quotes by Jose Lagos

“These are families that mind their own business, that have integrated themselves (into society) ... Theyre not a threat, and they dont jeopardize the national security of the United States.”

“Its going to be a long reconstruction in New Orleans and here. People are coming with their children. Some have lost documents. Some are undocumented.”

“Its real, its happening, its painful, its uncomfortable, its not fair, and were talking about human lives here. ... Were not asking for anything public other than permanent residency. Why this legal battle against these taxpayers?”

“Now is not the time, because all the considerations have not been made. The impact would be catastrophic.”

“Lets not forget who these immigrants are. They work hard, they pay taxes, and many have U.S. born children. It gives them the peace of mind that they can continue to work legally.”

“We are thankful to hear the intent of the Administration of President Bush to extend the humanitarian program TPS soon to expire for thousands of Central Americans.”

“We are going to be sitting in that meeting, facing the committee members and praying in our minds for them to look at our faces -- Asian, Haitian, Latino, even Caucasian -- who are watching at this historic moment to see what they produce.”

“Yes, national security, thats all fine. But theres over 11 million here now, and they are not terrorists, so what do we do with them? I think we have to take away the extremes, the liberal and the conservative views, and get something done that we can realistically enforce.”

“The Senate compromise may have fallen apart, but not everything is lost. The only way were going to get ahead is to send a stronger message.”

“To obtain it was a big, giant battle.”