Donnelly statement on Senate passage of bipartisan immigration reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Joe Donnelly released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan immigration reform legislation:

“The immigration system in our country is clearly not working. Today, our broken system has resulted in a policy of de facto amnesty for 11 million undocumented immigrants living in our country illegally. Like all Hoosiers, I believe citizenship is a privilege, and I have long argued that effective immigration reform requires strong borders, strict laws that punish those who break the rules, and a tough process for those who want to earn the opportunity for citizenship.

“This afternoon, I supported the bipartisan legislation before the Senate because it would create a practical policy that strengthens our borders, protects and grows our economy, and holds accountable those who have broken the law. At the core of this bill is a bipartisan proposal, which I helped introduce, that would enact the strongest border security measures in our nation’s history. The plan would double the size of our border patrol, construct 700 miles of fencing, invest in the tools and technologies necessary to stop the flow of illegal immigration, and require all employers to use the E-Verify system to ensure they hire legal workers. At the same time, the bill would require undocumented immigrants who have broken the law to register with the government, pay taxes and fines, learn English, and go to the back of the line.

“The United States has a rich tradition built upon the hard work of immigrant citizens. While today’s bill is not perfect, it would create a responsible policy and fair process that will allow this tradition to continue. My focus is always on what is best for Hoosier workers, middle class families, and business owners. By strengthening our borders and ending de facto amnesty, I think we also strengthen our state and our country’s economic future.”

Coats statement on passage of Senate immigration reform bill

Says real reform of immigration system must ensure results on border security first before granting legal status

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.), ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement regarding Senate passage of comprehensive immigration reform legislation:

“The American people deserve an immigration system that is fair, effective and delivers on past promises to secure our nation’s borders. While there are some good measures in this legislation, the bill does not avert the fundamental mistake of the 1986 immigration reform act – granting legal status with only promises, not proven results, of border security. In order to obtain the trust of the American people, this legislation needs to ensure real results on securing our borders before beginning the path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

“As the son of an immigrant and the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue working for immigration reform, border security and other measures to successfully address the flow of illegal immigration. I hope the House of Representatives will come forward with alternative legislation that is more credible than what the Senate passed today.”

The Senate passed the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S.744) in a vote of 68 to 32.