Speech #1100065827

That is supposed to be something that would be good. But sometimes I think hanging in here and opposing the machinery of this process takes a little gumption on the part of those of us who oppose it. They say we do not believe in immigration or we lack compassion. I want to reject those charges flatout. They are false. I believe in immigration. I believe in a guest worker program. But 1 want a guest worker program that will work. will not be an avenue of expanded illegality. as the OBO said this one will. In fact. because of the guest worker program. the Congressional Budget Office has said visa overstays. those people who come in legally but do not go home when they are supposed to. will increase under this bill. not decrease. I thought we were supposed to be fixing illegality not enhancing illegality. So I wish to say to my colleagues. first. it is indisputable that the passage of this bill will not create a lawful system of immigration. This bill does not live up to their promises. Our good friends the masters came out of their secret meeting. and they announced they had fixed immigration. they announced that they had a comprehensive plan that is going to fix immigration. and that we are finally going to end this illegality. But their own Congressional Budget Office that responds to them. that responds to the Democratic leaders. Senator REED or Speaker PELOSI. it is pretty much a nonpartisan group. but they are under the control of the Congress. This group under the control of the Congress says it will not work. says visa overstays will increase and the net impact on illegal immigration only be to reduce illegal immigration by 13 percent. Now. I consider that one event so significant. so earth shaking. that I cannot see how the Majority Leader could still take up this legislation and jam it down the throat of this Senate through an unprecedented procedure to pass it. especially when the American people do not like it either.