Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention

Remarks as prepared for delivery
Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention
Washington, DC – September 11, 2014

Thank you Juan (Sempertegui) for that kind introduction.

Congressman Luis Gutierrez is here – it was great to see you in Chicago with Sen. Dick Durbin last weekend.

Rep. Gutierrez is a powerful champion of national immigration reform and a tireless advocate for the humane treatment of immigrants and New Americans.

Today’s theme, “Unidos en Washington: Our Struggle, Our Progress,” is especially poignant as it coincides with the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 –

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected by that tragedy,


And we’re also reminded of the way Americans of every race, ethnicity and background were united by the events of that day.

But in talking about today’s theme let me start where most Americans do.

Beginning From Zero

Our ancestors took frightening risks to come here.

As the Chilean- American novelist, Isabel Allende [Ay-enday] wrote: “when you emigrate, you lose the crutches that have been your support. You must begin from zero, because the past is erased with a single stroke and no one cares where you’re from or what you did before.”

My immigrant great-grandfather, whose name was also Martin O’Malley, came to this country from Ireland.

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