Tom Harkin: “But whatever we pass will not mean much if we do not make sure that our States have the tools and support they need to…”

“But whatever we pass will not mean much if we do not make sure that our States have the tools and support they need to enforce those laws in the first place. My amendment, which is cosponsored by Senator Byrd and Senator Daschle that would require the Attorney General to provide at least 10 full-time active duty agents of the Immigration and Naturalization Service in each State. These can be either new agents or existing agents shifted from other States. In America today, immigration is not simply a California issue or a New York issue or a Texas or Florida issue. I can tell you that it is a real issue--and a real challenge--in my own State. But today there are three States--including Iowa--that have no permanent INS presence to combat illegal immigration or to assist legal immigrants. This is a commonsense amendment. Ten agents is a modest level compared to agents in other States. Clearly every State needs a minimum INS presence to meet basic needs. My amendment would ensure that need is met.”