Dear Friend :
Thank you for contacting me about immigration reform. I appreciate hearing from you on this very important issue.
As the son of immigrant parents who came through Ellis Island , I value the fact that our country is a refuge for those longing for freedom. Most immigrants have worked hard to become contributing members of our communities, and the United States has always prided itself as a free country that welcomes people seeking better lives. Of course, the safety, security, and economic stability of our country must remain paramount, and it can be threatened if immigration is not controlled carefully.
Recently, the Senate passed the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006" (S. 2611). This bill authorizes significantly increased border security, and requires employers to verify prospective employees' documents through a system managed by the Department of Homeland Security. It also creates a temporary "guest worker" program for workers to enter the U.S. legally for jobs employers have been unable to fill with American workers, and it provides a path to earned legalization for illegal immigrants who have been living and working in the U.S. Applicants must wait six years to apply for this status adjustment, and may only earn it by paying fines and past-due taxes , demonstrating sufficient ability to speak English , and passing a background check . They must begin this process at the " back of the line " behind those who have already applied to enter this country legally.
The House of Representatives has also passed legislation (H.R. 4437), which includes no provisions for guest workers or eventual status adjustment. Instead, this bill would make it a crime to be in the United States illegally, and would criminalize rendering assistance to an undocumented immigrant.
I supported the Senate bill because I believe we need a comprehensive approach to immigration reform-one that not only addresses border security, but the status of cu rrently undocumented immigrants and the future flow of guest workers , too . House and Senate conferees now must try to resolve the differences between the bills. Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind if and when the Senate considers a final bill. Thank you again for contacting me.