Speech #1090135511

The truth is. we have done little. But we are doing more now. Second. we need more border security provisions as part of border security and immigration reform legislation. Many security provisions in the current border and immigration bill are good. but they are not enough. I have filed three amendments to the bill which I will discuss shortly. I understand and think once Senators have heard these amendments and the managers have had a chance to review them. they may be accepted. Lastly. we should try to address what to do with the millions of undocumented workers in America today. In March. I joined with a bipartisan group of Senators to support what has been called the HagelMartinez compromise. I supported the compromise in hopes that it would allow a border security and immigration bill to move forward. I also supported it because. as I understand the bill. anyone who came to the United States illegally after January 7 of 2004 receives no special treatment. that is. those hundreds of thousands of people who have been running to the border or who have been taken to the border. who have purchased their way to the border in the last few months. will receive no special treatment. It is my understanding these individualsthat is. postJanuary 7. 2004 illegal entrantswould be subject to removal and deportation under existing immigration laws. The record needs to clearly reflect that. That means one group of people that Americans are wondering about will not receive any special privileges under this bill. They are sort of the Johnnycomelatelies who have run to the border thinking if they can get here quick enough they will be included in our immigration reform efforts. But it is my understanding that these individuals would be subject to removal and deportation under existing Immigration law. I repeat that because I believe a number of Senators. on this side of the aisle at least. are indicating their support for this bill because they believe that is in the bill. As the most senior Senator representing a southwest border State. I would like to now discuss the amendments I have filed. which I beliere make eminent sense and should be accepted by the Senate. The first is an amendment regarding Mexican cooperation. This amendment will require the Secretary of State to cooperate with Mexico to improve border security and to reduce border crime. The amendment is the result of a lot of hard work and is cosponsored by the distinguished Senator from Connecticut. Mr. DODD. who is very familiar with the border problems and the problems with Mexico. I would like to read that amendment because a reading of it does more than I could do by trying to summarize it. This amendment has as its purpose: To improve coordination between the United States and Mexico regarding border security. criminal activity. circular migration. and for other purposes.