Speech #1100067199

We have tried to balance it so we do not take away American jobs and so we are sensitive to the objections which the AFLCIO has raised. We reduced the number of the guest worker program from 400.000 to 200.000. We tried to take into consideration the H1B workers so that we bring in people with advanced degrees and technical knowledge to help Silicon Valley and other entities which are seeking more along that line. The bill is structured in a very sensitive way in that direction. Then we have the 12 million undocumented immigrants. No one knows the exact number. but that is the number which we have utilized. a number which the Pew Foundation says is about right from their surveys. We have a cry that we will be giving amnesty to these 12 million individuals. We have done our best to structure a bill which requires these undocumented immigrants to earn the right to the path of citizenship. We have imposed fines. We have the requirement in the bill now. through amendment. that they have to pay back taxes. We require they learn English. We require the undocumented immigrants hold jobs for a part of our society. We have a socalled touchback provision which I am not enthusiastic about. I have grave reservations about punitive measures which do not have some substantive meaning. but that concession has been made to try to avoid the amnesty claim. We have gone about as far as we can go. Amnesty. like beauty. may be in the eye of the beholder. One thing Is plain: The 12 million undocumented immigrants are going to stay in the United States one way or another. They are going to stay here unless we find a way to identify those who are criminals and who could and should be deported. those who may be problems on terrorism. It is agreed that you cant deport 12 million undocumented immigrants. But if we can find a way to socalled "bring them out of the shadows." we can identify those who ought to be deported in manageable numbers. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff has accurately said that the current situation. with 12 million undocumented immigrants. is silent amnesty. So they are here. one way or another. silent amnesty or amnesty. But one thing we could do if we move ahead with the legislation is to avoid the anarchy which is here at the present time.