Speech #1090136161

This is critical. I agree with Senators GRASSLEY and KENNEDY that this is the linchpin of this bill. If we dont get this right. then we might as well pitch it in because the fact is that employment and the prospects for employment are the magnets that attract illegal immigrants into the country or people who come legally and overstay in violation of our immigration laws. I think it is important that the very Cabinet memberSecretary Chertoffwho is going to be responsible for enforcing this immigration reform has called this amendment a poison pill. He expressed concerns about the fact that. as currently writtenand I understand it is one thing to pass a piece of legislation and expect to improve it in the conference committee. but I think it is absolutely critical that our colleagues understand what it is they are being asked to vote on. The No. 1 concern I have is that it would create a carveout. until such time as whatever process is developed would produce a rate of 99percent accuracy. in terms of confirming eligibility of prospective employees to work legally in the United States.