Speech #1090119579

I dont know. I dont think it is consistent with the goal we all share. The goal we share is in repairing the system. better enforcement at the borders. better enforcement when it comes to employment so we will know if employers are exploiting the undocumented. That is part of real enforcement that will lead to fairness and justice in the way we deal with immigration. Theres another problem with the majority leaders bill. It would do nothing to address the situation of 12 million undocumented immigrants who currently live in our country. We need tougher enforcement. but in the Judiciary Committee bill we acknowledge something that the majority leaders bill does not: A strategy that focuses on enforcement only is doomed to failure. Beyond that. the McCainKennedy bill. which is an inspired piece of legislation. would offer a chance for immigrants who work hard and play by the rules to earn their way to citizenship over the course of many years. This is not an amnesty. Amnesty says we forgive you. The McCainKennedy bill does not say that. The McCainKennedy bill says: If you are here undocumented for a variety of reasons. if you are here without legal status. there is a path you can follow. It is a long path. a demanding path. but at the end. you could end up in a legal position or have a chance. That is the best approach for us to use.