Speech #1140056354

First. it would require notification by a State or local agency of the impending release of certain dangerous individuals. if ICE requests such notification. It would apply to individuals where there is probable cause to believe they are aliens who are removable from the country and who pose a threat to the community. Immigration offenses would be covered only if the individual had actually received more than 1 year in prison. which would happen for a person with a significant criminal history. The amendment I prepared would not include harmful cuts to law enforcement and community programs. which I believe are unnecessary and unwise. The legal precedents from the Supreme Court show that Congress can impose a reporting requirement on a State or local government. without threatening harmful funding cuts. That is the approach I would takeI believe it would protect public safety without harming otherwise lawabiding immigrants or State or local law enforcement. Before I conclude. Id like to remind my colleagues that this is not a choice between being proimmigrant or procriminal. I am proimmigrant. Immigrants make a tremendous contribution to this country and to my State. They work some of the most difficult jobs. from agriculture to construction to hospitality. They are part of the fabric of our country. I. myself. am the daughter of an immigrant. I strongly support comprehensive immigration reform. which I think is the only longterm solution to many of these problems. I also support the Presidents executive actions to eliminate the threat of deportation for young people who have been raised here. as well as the parents of American citizens. And I agree with immigrant advocates who want to prevent families from being separated because of a minor infraction like a broken taillight. The position I support strikes a balance. It would keep dangerous individuals off the street. while protecting otherwise lawabiding immigrants who are just here to work and provide their children with a better future. I believe the deaths of Kate Steinle and Marilyn Pharis could have been prevented. I believe we can and should fix the problems that led to their deaths by requiring that local officials notify Federal officials before they release dangerous criminals. if asked to do so. I oppose Senator VITTERs bill. which would sweep up otherwise lawabiding immigrants and divert resources away from where they are most needed. We should focus our efforts on dangerous criminals. and I hope that when we again take up comprehensive immigration reform. that is what happens. I thank the Chair.