Speech #1090122356

It is tough on employer enforcement and tough on traffickers. But it is also comprehensive and balanced. I have called it enforcement "plus" because it confronts the problem of the millions of undocumented who live in the shadows. It values work and respects human dignity. It includes guest worker provisions supported by business and labor and a fair path to earned citizenship over 11 years through fines. the payment of taxes. hard work and learning English that has the support of religious and leading Hispanic organizations. It includes the AgJOBS bill and the DREAM Act. the Frist amendment. the Bingaman enforcement amendment. and the Alexander citizenship amendment. Wisely. we have rejected the controversial provisions that would have exposed those who provide humanitarian relief. medical care. shelter. counseling and other basic services to the undocumented to possible prosecution under felony alien smuggling provisions of the criminal law. And we have rejected the proposal to criminalize mere presence in an undocumented status in the United States. which would trap people in a permanent underclass. Those provisions of the bill supported by congressional Republicans have understandably sparked nationwide protests because they are viewed as antiHispanic and antiimmigrant and are inconsistent with American values. Our work on immigration reform has been called a defining moment in our history. The Senate. in its best moments. has been able to rise to the occasion and act as the conscience to the Nation. in the best true interests of our Nation. I hope that the Senates work on immigration reform will be in keeping with the best the Senate can offer the Nation. I hope that our work will be something that would make not only my immigrant grandparents proudand I stand only one generation from my immigrant grandparentsbut a product that will make our children and grandchildren proud as they look back on this debate. Now is the time and this is the moment for the Senate to come together to do its part and reject the calls to partisanship. Now is the time to move forward with the bipartisan committee bill as our framework so that we can bring millions of people out of the shadows and end the permanent underclass status of so many who have contributed so much.