The House Judiciary Committee today held another hearing purportedly examining immigration legislation. Deece Eckstein, Director of People For the American Way’s Texas regional office, released the following statement:

“Another hearing is not what we need. Texans want real solutions to real problems, but the House Judiciary Committee is giving us another kangaroo court instead. There’s no reason to have a hearing when all the Congressmen involved have clearly already made up their minds and when no one with a different point of view is allowed to speak. This wasn’t an opportunity for anyone to learn; it was a political charade paid for with taxpayers’ money.

“We must have secure borders. At the same time, we’ve got to realize that the Texas economy, especially small business, relies on immigrant labor. Texas and the United States need real immigration reform, but the idea that we can arrest some 11 million people without overwhelming law enforcement and devastating the economy in cities like El Paso is laughable. We need common sense solutions, not political showboating.”