Speech #1100050530

We increase the detention capacity to 27.500 beds daily. We add 1.000 new I.C.E. investigative personnel. We add 2.500 Customs and border protection workers. We require reimbursement to State and local communities that detain criminal aliens. We create a new employer verification system. We require 1.000 new worksite compliance personnel. I could go on and on with respect to how this legislation will create interior enforcement on immigration that will be effective. Finally. the third thing this legislation does is secure Americas economic future. It secures Americas economic future through the adoption of a program which Senator CRAIG and Senator FEINSTEIN and 67 of us have cosponsored. the AgJOBS Program. because we know that across America our farmers and ranchers are suffering because they have not had the labor they need. We also have included in this legislation the Presidents new temporary worker program. It is a program that will allow employers to match up with employees on a temporary basis. to create circularity with respect to those workers who will come into this country. Finally. it will create a realistic solution for Americas undocumented workforce. the 12 million or so people who are here. That will be accomplished by requiring them to pay significant penalties and fees. We will make sure that as they move forward in the process. they also go to the back of the line so they dont get any advantage over those who enter the country legally. We will require them to return home prior to the time they apply for a green card. We will require them to learn English. and we will require them to remain crime free. Let me conclude by urging my colleagues to vote yes on the motion to proceed. The time is now for us to deal with the immigration reform issue which is so difficult and so contentious. At the end of the day. this bipartisan proposal which we have put on the table will allow us. first. to secure our borders. It will allow us to make sure we are enforcing our laws.