Immigration reform passed!

05/25/2006

John Kerry Votes for Immigration Reform
Below is a statement from Senator John Kerry on the comprehensive immigration reform measure that passed the Senate on a vote of 62-36 this evening.

“Immigration reform should be about making America safer, not dividing our country. It’s disgusting that many tried to do just that. Our own immigrant grandparents would be ashamed of these tactics.
“Through my wife, I know firsthand the very deep love of America that immigrants feel. The promise that you can come here, work hard, and earn your way to American citizenship is fundamental to who we are as a country. That’s why I supported this immigration reform bill; because it’s humane, realistic and responsible.

“I am pleased that my amendment to strengthen border security and add 1,000 additional Border Patrol agents on the border next year passed. This plan will strengthen our borders, provide a path to legalization for the approximately 11 million undocumented workers currently living and working in the United States, create an effective guestworker program with strong labor protections, and hold employers accountable for hiring American citizens first.

“I am proud to vote for honest, comprehensive immigration reform—reform that has a real chance of solving the immigration crisis in America today.”

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http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=256194