Chairman. we are debating the Rasputin of legislation today. It will not die. no matter the circumstances or changes made. and while I. again. have reservations concerning this legislation. I cannot be anything but amazed by the continuing saga of immigration reform in this body. I would be remiss. if I did not take a moment to commend the distinguished chairman of the Immigration Committee for his efforts to accommodate all of us who have concerns regarding the legislation before us. What makes this particular bill so vital is not only its impact on the flow of immigrants to this country. but how we as a nation perceive that flow. whether or not we consider it to be beneficial to the building of the United States or whether or not we believe that the flow must be stoppedat all costs. I have thought long and hard about this issue and about this bill. I want to emphasize from the start that I am in agreement with the framers of this legislation on one crucial point: We need immigration reform. Yet. that reform cannot come at the expense of any group. community. or branch of Government. whether or not it is Hispanics. blacks. or Asians. whether or not it is small or large businesses. whether or not it is State or local governments. Reform must be fair. as well as realistic. I have several problems with this bill. but. again. my primary concern centers around employer sanctionsthat provision in the bill which would fine employers for hiring an undocumented person. At face value. one might ask: Whats wrong with sanctions? Shouldnt it be illegal to hire persons who are here without proper documents?
Keywords matched
undocumented Immigration immigration immigrants