Speech #1100069005

Now. that is not to say in a representative democracy we ought to not consider the opinions of our constituents. but I think Edmund Burke was right more than 200 years ago when he talked about our duty in owing our constituents our best judgment. What is our best judgment and how have we come to it? We have been working on immigration a long time. and we saw the failures of the 1986 legislation. Because the 1986 legislation failed doesnt mean we cannot correct the problem. Things are very different today than they were in 1986. For one thing. we now have a foolproof method of determining whether an individual is legal or illegal. So now we can hold employers responsible not to hire illegal immigrants. We can take away the magnet of work in this country for those who are not here legally. We have lost sight I think. of the very fundamental purpose as to what we are trying to accomplish through legislation to reform immigration. We are trying to secure our borders. This bill goes a long way to securing the borders with fencing. with automobile blocks. with more Border Patrol. The entire 2.000mile plus of the border will be more secure. It cant be perfectly secured. and that is why we have employer verification which. as I say. is now foolproof. Then when we deal with the immigrants. we are trying to deal with the 12 million undocumented immigrants. Those who would like moreI said earlier that if I had my choice. I would agree with Senator MENENDEZ. that I would have more family unification. I would agree with Senator DODD that I would have more visas for parents. But this legislation is crafted by compromise. and that is the art of politicsthe compromise. So it is the best bill that we can structure and come forward with.