Speech #1100111085

I would like to share a few thoughts on the vote we cast on the DREAM Act. I really believe it was an important issue. It went beyond what some might think in that it dealt with some issues that are important to America. what we are thinking of as a country. and why we need to get the immigration issue correct. We can do it. It is something that is important. But once again. we sort of fell into the trap of focusing on helping to meet what the needs or desires are of people who are here illegally and not focusing on restoring the rule of law to immigration enforcement. So I think the Senate leaderships commitment to moving this legislation would have been a step in exactly the wrong direction. I believe the strong bipartisan vote against it indicates that there remains grave concern about this kind of amnesty proposal. particularly in light of the fact that we have not achieved any significant progress toward enforcement of our laws at the border. at the workplace. and in other areas. I would just say as a person who has worked on this with some determination in the last several years that I have absolutely come to believe that if we do a series of things. we can create a lawful system of immigration in America. That is important because I think a lot of people think it Is just not possible. that nothing we do will work. But that is not true. If we have a good legal system. if we have a good enforcement system at the border. if we make it difficult for people to work. eliminate the job magnet and create a work card. an identification card that is biometric and cant be easily counterfeited. we could see a dramatic return to lawfulness in immigration. That would be so good for America. It would so reduce the frustration and anger that is out there. As I have said before. I dont think people are angry at immigrants. although some of the people who support these legislative acts that I think have been bad have tried to suggest that the anger which is out there among the American people is directed at immigrants. It Is really directed at us. The American people have been requesting for 30. 40 years that we create a lawful system of immigration. and Congress has continued to stiff themjust refused to do itand talks about it and promises and passes this bill or that bill or this provision or that provision. all the time suggesting that these are going to make a difference. Then. either we dont fund them adequately. so they never really take place. or the bill is a discrete piece of legislation that never has much impact on the overall situation we have confronted and does not do any significantdoes not take us in any significant way toward a lawful system. I hope this strong vote sends a message that this Senate. prior to creating a lawful system of immigration both at our border and in the workplace. is not prepared to undertake the huge AgJOBS legislation. Senator REID has said he would bring that up again. but maybe this vote will encourage him not to do so.