For example. we dont touch current law waivers for consent to reapply for admission. We dont touch the Secretarys ability to grant humanitarian parole. And we dont touch the waivers under current law that cover an immigrant who is the spouse of a U.S. citizen. I thought Mr. DURBIN. the Senator from Illinois. was satisfied with that answer earlier. but I point that out to my colleagues just so they can be satisfied that there are exceptions for extraordinary circumstances. What this amendment doer. is it broadly says felons will not be given the benefits of legalization and a path to American citizenship. They have had their chance. they blew their chance. and they have shown themselves unworthy of the trust and confidence of the American people when it comes to living among us in compliance with our laws and respecting the fact that. yes. we are a nation of immigrants. and proudly so. but we are also a nation of laws. Those laws keep us safe. they keep us secure. and they assure our prosperity. and the prosperity of generations yet to come. We cannot. once again. turn a blind eye to the laws that protect all of us. including those immigrants who have come here to become part of our great country and to seek opportunity for their future. I hope my colleagues will support the Cornyn amendment. that they will vote against the Kennedy amendment as a dilution and watereddown figleaf of the Cornyn amendment. With that.
Identified stereotypes
Felons are unworthy of trust and confidence.