![]() I’m concerned that the bill provides unfettered and unchecked authority to you and your department and your successors. Aside from legalizing those who are here illegally (and potentially for their family members who have yet to arrive) and the clearing of backlogs, what does this bill do to fix the system? ![]() I’m interested in hearing from the Secretary about what problems the bill fixes in our current immigration system. Surely we don’t want to screw up like we did 25 years ago. Short of that, this bill makes the same mistake we made in 1986. You’ve even indicated that Congress should not hold up legalization by adding border security measures and requiring them to be a trigger for the program.Įvery senator I’ve heard on this subject has said that borders must be secure. Madam Secretary, you have stated that the border is stronger than ever before. If enacted today, the bill would provide no pressure on this Secretary – or even a future Secretary - to secure the borders. Agricultural workers and Dream Act youth, however, are put on a different and expedited path. There’s not much of a definition of “substantially” in the bill. Once the Secretary certifies that the security and fencing plans are “substantially” deployed, operational and completed, green cards are allocated to those here illegally. Thus, the undocumented become legal after the plans are submitted – despite the potential that the plans could be flawed and inadequate. ![]() Not one person disputed the fact that legalization begins upon submission of both a southern border security and fencing strategy. Yesterday, I brought up the border security language contained in the bill. But, I’m concerned that the bill we’re discussing repeats the mistakes of the past and won’t secure the border or stop the flow of illegal migration. There are 92 other Senators who must get their chance to amend and improve the bill.Īs I said yesterday, we have a duty to protect the borders and the sovereignty of this country. We hope to have the opportunity to do just that. I’m encouraged to see that one cosponsor of the bill is taking suggestions on his website on how to improve the legislation. Most, if not all, members of the Group of Eight have acknowledged the bill isn’t perfect. I appreciate your being here today to discuss the immigration bill that this committee will be taking up in just 16 days. Hearing on the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Actĭepartment of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano Ranking Member, Senate Judiciary Committee Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
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