Speech #1100050946

I wanted to point out that last year my colleague rightly pointed to a serious problem with last years bill dealing with chain migration. I recall the Senator coming to the floor and explaining what had not been well understood until then. which is the fact that. as people were acquiring legal permanent resident status. then they would also have the opportunity to bring family members. That would result in a huge problem. We have 12 million illegals. If those 12 million are somehow legalized and then they can also chain migrate their families. we would end up with a problem manyfold what it would be otherwise. In this bill. we tried mightily to end chain migration. and I think we have for the most part. I want to say to the Senator from Alabama. it is because of his good work last year in pointing out that flaw in the bill that I think now we have corrected and reversed course in what I think is. by some. a real problem in terms of family reunification. But at the end of the day. I think it is the right thing for America. If we allow those who are here. after a probationary period. after payment of fines. and ultimately after returning to their home country. to legally apply for readmittance. that then chain migration would not be permitted. I think that is a fair tradeoff and is at the heart of what is called by some the "grand bargain." a massive coming together we had. I want to give the Senator very much due credit for having a real hand in what it is that is at the heart of this new agreement.