Speech #1090099910

So we have to be very careful in moving forward with this legislation and craft a balanced approach. I commend the authors on their enforcement provisions at the border. That is phase one. to address our border security. to make sure that we have boots on the border. equipment. sensors. all of the technology that our innovation can provide to make sure that we are welcoming those immigrants who are coming here to build a better life for themselves and their family. and stopping those who are not. The bill is incomplete in that it does not deal in a comprehensive way with the other two pieces of immigration policy. which are very sticky. difficult issues. that of what to do with those 11 million people who are already here and that of how we address the temporary worker program. It is incomplete in that sense. But this is an important step. I would only characterize it as a baby step. But it is an important step forward to moving what I believe will become comprehensive immigration reform that deals with these three key components of this hugely important policy in a post9/11 world. I firmly believe that we are a stronger nation because of the diversity that our immigrants have brought us. I feel blessed to live in a nation that women seek to be here so badly that they are willing to put their babies on inner tubes to float across the Florida Straits to be here or to risk everything to come across a wall or a fence or a river to be a part of the freedoms and liberties that we take for granted every day. I fundamentally feel blessed to live in a nation that everyone else strives so hard to join. And we have to have an immigration policy that meets the needs of our economy and welcomes those people who want to bring positive. meaningful developments to our Nation and help them find a better life for themselves and their families. and this bill puts us on the path toward doing that. But it is important that we recognize what is not in the bill. and before it becomes law what must. what must become part of it. which is a comprehensive assessment of a temporary worker program and a way to deal with the enforcement of the 11 million people who are here.