Mr. President. let me first commend my distinguished colleague from Colorado. who has been a voice of reason throughout this whole process. He has been a leader in trying to fashion a comprehensive immigration reform that is tough and smart. We need immigration reform that is tough as it relates to making sure our borders are protected. We have not only the right but the obligation to secure those borders and ensure that we have the wherewithal and the resources to make sure only those who cross. cross in a fashion that is safe. legal and orderly. At the same time. we need immigration reform that deals with our economy. fueling that economy. and finally finds justice for individuals who are often subject to human trafficking as well as exploitation. To my distinguished colleague from Colorado. I tip my hat for the tremendous effort he has madeand that brings us to where we are today. But I do want to go toward one of the pending amendments that will be voted on in the next block. It is the amendment I have offered with Senator HAGEL and many others that goes to the core of one of the great issues the Senate will decide as it relates to this immigration bill. and that is whether families and the reunification of families is still a value to the Senate. is still a value in our family. whether families who come together and are strengthened by being together and helping each other and working with each other and nurturing each other and by so doing strengthening communities in the process are to be preserved. or are they. in terms of that battle. likely to be eliminated and struck. at least in our immigration context? I certainly hope when the Senate comes to vote. it will be voting in a way that is in line with the many speeches I have heard here. that I have heard in committee hearings. that 1 have heard in the other body. in the House of Representatives. where I served before coming here. about family values. family reunification is going to be preserved. It is time to put our votes where 0our values are. The MenendezHagel amendment offers that opportunity.
Keywords matched
family reunification immigration