Starting as “completely naive” about immigration issues when appointed to the federal bench in 2003, Judge Brack learned by being “thrown in the deep end” as he became the busiest judge in the nation with immigration cases. Today he repeats, “we need immigration reform.”

“Scripture says ‘treat the alien in your midst well because you were once an alien yourself’. We should also acknowledge that our lives are subsidized by those who have come here to work.”

“The current narrative of immigrants being the worst of the worst is not supported by my experience. Donald Trump is to be given credit for raising the issue, but the vast majority of immigrants are poor, desperate people driven by noble concerns, looking for work to feed their families; they are not troublemakers. They make our lives better, too.”

“Of the tens of thousands of immigration defendants I’ve seen, all have been employees. I’ve not seen the prosecution of an employer, though the employer’s actions may also be criminal. I’m not advocating for that, but prosecuting employers would have great effect on the issue.”

“The immigration issue is a ‘third rail issue’ that makes it politically difficult to address. But there’s a consequence to inaction and reform is more necessary than ever. I’m ethically allowed to inform a debate based on my experience and that’s why I’m speaking here.”