Speech #1090111880

I want to note that this bill contains a section specifically designed 152. Pt. 3 2915 to ensure that detained alien children are treated properly while in U.S. custody. Children are the most vulnerable of illegal aliens. and especially when they are separated from their parents. we must ensure their safety. Finally. the BORDERS Act of 2006 authorizes the Federal Government to reimburse States that incur the financial burden of detaining illegal aliens. It is unfair of us to expect the States to shoulder this huge cost by themselves. Again. let me stress that border security is just one aspect of comprehensive immigration reform. I also will support legislation to address the status of undocumented aliens currently in the United States. ifand only ifsuch legislation is fair. humane. and recognizes the role that undocumented workers currently play in our nations economy. But border security is a policy area that should find wide agreementacross both parties. By setting up a cuttingedge. integrated "virtual fence." and by building more detention centers. I believe that the United States can take a giant step forward in its quest to get control of our borders.