Jack Reed: “I rise to discuss S. 2611, the immigration bill we are debating this week. It has been a difficult debate with several…”

“I rise to discuss S. 2611, the immigration bill we are debating this week. It has been a difficult debate with several difficult votes, but I believe this is one of the most important pieces of legislation we will address this year. The status of immigrants in this country, including legal aliens, guest workers, and illegal aliens, has a profound impact on our economy, our labor force, and the quality of life of all of the Nation's residents. Clearly, our immigration system in terms of both its punitive measures and its benefits offered is in need of overhaul. The bill before us is not perfect, but it is a realistic approach to dealing with an issue that is important to so many Americans. Rather than measures that sound good but are ineffective, this legislation is truly comprehensive immigration reform. It includes tough enforcement provisions directed at those who seek to come here illegally in the future and those who would hire illegal aliens. It contains provisions for guest workers that balance the needs of employers and the average American worker, and it offers a path to legalization to those who entered this country illegally but who have since been working hard and obeying the rules. One of the most important sections of this bill relates to enforcement.…”