Bob Menendez: “from the congressional district that I have had the honor of representing over the past 13 years, one can see the Statue…”

“from the congressional district that I have had the honor of representing over the past 13 years, one can see the Statue of Liberty. Ellis Island is a place that has been the gateway to opportunity for millions of new Americans. For me, it is a shining example of the power of the American dream, a place that launched millions down their own road to success. Like millions of Americans, my own parents came to this country fleeing tyranny and searching for freedom. Because of this, the debate that we started yesterday and continue today is of special and personal interest to me. So, America has a proud tradition as a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. But unfortunately, our current immigration laws and system have failed us. As a predicate for labor to grow, and for the country to achieve all the things it needs to, we need tough, smart, and comprehensive immigration reform that reflects current economic realities, that respects the core values of family unity and fundamental fairness, and that upholds our proud tradition as a nation of immigrants. We need to aggressively seek to curtail crossings at the border and we need smart enforcement measures that prevent illegal immigration, so that our immigration system is safe, legal, orderly, and fair to all. Our goal should be neither open borders nor closed borders, but smart borders. Now, tough enforcement laws may make us feel good, but they do not do the job all by themselves.…”