“If we are truly going to fix a broken system, Congress will have to act”
The following is a statement from Lynn Tramonte, Deputy Director of America’s Voice:
We have entered a new chapter and a new phase in the immigration debate. Secretary Napolitano today laid out the framework for fixing the broken immigration system, and the solution is comprehensive immigration reform. Drawing on her years of experience on the southwest border, and her new role as the nation’s top homeland security official, she said that we need Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, and create immigration laws that truly work for our country.
Reform will secure the border, protect all workers, and require undocumented immigrants to register for legal status, pay fines and taxes, clear background checks, and get in line for citizenship. This will benefit all Americans by strengthening the rule of law, bringing in more taxpayers, cutting costs for enforcement, and making our nation’s borders stronger and safer. Now is the time for Congress to take the next step and pass legislation that would accomplish these goals.
As Secretary Napolitano pointed out, the American people support comprehensive immigration reform, and the debate we are about to engage in is not the same old debate. Law enforcement, labor, business, faith, and community leaders are all demanding comprehensive reform for our nation’s security, economy, workers, and families. We have a new President, who was elected because he promised to address important problems like this with practical solutions. We have a new Congress, with leaders who also promised change and progress to the American people.
The Secretary’s speech today was an important moment, but it was just the opening bell. It’s now time for Congress and the Administration to put serious muscle behind advancing the proposal – and it’s time for politicians of all political parties to set aside partisanship and demagoguery, and do what’s right for the country.
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