Orrin Hatch: “I wish to take some time today to talk about immigration before us, its flaws, and what needs to be done to fix it. I…”

“I wish to take some time today to talk about immigration before us, its flaws, and what needs to be done to fix it. I first wish to note that I voted in favor of reporting this legislation out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I worked in good faith with my colleagues to secure the inclusion of provisions addressing things such as high-skilled immigration and a new agricultural visa program. Indeed, throughout the Judiciary Committee process, I was a willing negotiator on many important issues surrounding this bill. In general, I am in favor of immigration reform, and I wish to see this bill succeed. I also wish to commend my colleagues for their work on this legislation so far. Up to now, I think that process has been fair. It has been transparent, and, I believe, bipartisan. I hope that will continue now that the bill is on the floor. It is important we continue to work on a bipartisan basis because the bill is far from perfect. One can't look at it without knowing that. In my view, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed before this legislation is ready for final passage. During the Judiciary Committee's consideration of S. 744, I introduced four amendments on issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the Senate Finance Committee. At that time I stated that my continued support for the bill is contingent on whether those issues were addressed before final passage.…”