Political Quotes

“Well, 245(i) is a way for persons in this country illegally, who have been here for some time illegally, to go around the process and immediately get legal status. This is a real slap in the face to those from other nations that go through the process, that go through the interview process, that talk with the consuls, that talk with the INS people, who get fingerprinted, that wait in line for their turn. These people under 245(i) go around the line and get to the head of the line and they are immediately legal. We are going to be asked, I feel, on the Commerce, Justice, State appropriations bill to extend 245(i). The Senate passed it for, I believe, an indefinite extension; and that measure has not made it through the House, so they are going to attach something, I am fearful, on that appropriations bill. And the message would be clear: if you can get in here illegally, if you wait it out, you can get amnesty. We do not need amnesty at this time. An amendment putting forth 245(i) for an extension, even if it is just for 6 months or a year, would be the wrong message, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, on the wrong bill. And I hope our body will defeat it.”