That puts a mind on the job that we need. It isnt just a simple certification of enforcement. it looks at the whole picture. Until you look at the whole picture on immigration. we will continue to have politicians debate it back and forth. with their 30second ads flying in both directions. and nothing is going to happen. This is a unique opportunity in our history to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform. something that will finally work. Twenty years ago. when we granted amnesty. we thought it was the end of the issue. We were wrong. We have seen a dramatic increase in illegal immigration into the United States. Now. 20 years later. let us not repeat the mistake with a simpleminded. linear approach that says if we just get tough on the border. everything will be fine. You have to do the whole package. The President argued for that last night. Part of that enforcement in the workplace is a tamperproof ID card using biometrics so we know who that employee is. where they live. what their background may be. and finally a processa long. tough processwhere those who are here undocumented can earn their way into legal status. It may take them 10 years. it may take them 12 years. but in that period of time. they have to learn English. they have to work. they have to pay their taxes. they have to pay any fines they owe this Government for coming into this country. and they have to show they have a demonstrated knowledge of our history and the way our Government works. They have to report every year so we know that they are keeping up with their requirements. And if they stick with it for 10 or 12 years. they will reach legal status. It is not amnesty. but it is a sensible part of comprehensive immigration reform. I urge my colleagues to support Senator SALAZAR and oppose Senator ISAKSONs amendment.
Keywords matched
undocumented illegal immigration immigration