Political Quotes

“let me quote from this: The path to citizenship laid out by the Specter bill-- which is the bill that will come before us soon-- wouldn't be easy. It would take 11 years, a clean record-- no criminal record-- a steady job, payment of a $2,000 fine, payment of all back taxes, and knowledge of English and civics. Those are the things a person has to go through to reach the point where they are considered open for the possibility of legalization. So it isn't as if we have wiped away the fact that some people are here illegally; we are making it clear that if they want to become legal in the eyes of the United States, there is a cost to it. It is a cost in commitment, and it is a long one. So I think The New York Times has it right, and I think my colleague did not have it right. This is not an amnesty. I don't support an amnesty. There are some who do, but no Members of the Senate that I know of are suggesting an amnesty. Instead, we have set up a process. First, enforce the laws at the border and through employers. Second, say to those people who are here: If you are prepared to go through a lengthy, involved, and demanding process, we will give you a chance to be part of America. I think that is the only sensible way to approach this. If we don't start with that possibility, that a person here who wants to call America home permanently can reach that goal legally, what will bring that person out of the shadows?…”