PRESIDENT CALDERON’S ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS -- Congressman's Ortiz Response

To watch President Calderon’s address to a joint session of Congress, click here.

WASHINGTON--U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz (D-Texas) today released the following statement after the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, addressed a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill:

“This morning, President Calderon addressed Members of Congress – of both the House and the Senate – and shared concerns of Mexico’s current state of affairs. During President Calderon’s address to Congress, he spoke about the violence along the U.S.-Mexico border, the war on organized criminal activity, the country’s economic state, the dynamics of trade between both countries, current immigration policies in the United States and the strong ties Mexico and the United States have.

“I stand by President Calderon as we work to better the social and economic interests of Mexico and the United States. During his address today, President Calderon said he wants North America to be one of the strongest and most prosperous regions of the world. I too share that vision and goal.

“In December 2009, Congressman Luis Gutierrez and I introduced a comprehensive immigration reform plan that is a step in the right direction for this country.

“Through this bill we would ensure our borders are safe and secure while making certain millions of people who live in this country have access to a path to residency and citizenship.

“Undocumented immigrants currently living in this country would have to register with the government, pay all taxes, pay a $500 fine, submit to thorough criminal and security background checks, learn English and U.S. civics to be considered for a six year conditional visa. After the six year period, those people living here with a visa are eligible to apply for residency. This bill would allow millions of people living in this country the right to integrate into this society.

“We need a system that is tough on enforcement, fair to taxpayers, and our workforce. A new system that ends exploitation and abuses that are everywhere in our current system and I know this plan does that.

"This year marks the final year of the three-year Merida Initiative, and the U.S. Congress and President Obama’s administration are working closely, together with counterparts in Mexico, to develop the next phase of assistance.

“As I have emphasized, the new assistance package to Mexico must encompass investments in four critical areas: 1) assistance to help Mexico continue to disrupt the organizational capacity of the drug cartels; 2) efforts to strengthen Mexico's institutional capacity to enforce the rule of law, particularly with respect to the judicial process; 3) investments in 21st century technologies and initiatives at our ports of entry that strengthen security while supporting vibrant cross-border trade and commerce and; 4) investments in social and economic development initiatives for local communities ravaged by violence and efforts to curb drug demand.

“I am committed to these causes and reiterate my support to President Calderon, his administration and the people of Mexico.”