Russ Feingold: “over the last few weeks, the Senate has considered an issue that inspires strong feelings all around--the need for…”

“over the last few weeks, the Senate has considered an issue that inspires strong feelings all around--the need for immigration reform. While the bill we were considering has many flaws, I am disappointed that some Members of this body decided to talk it to death. I voted to move this bill forward because Congress should act on this issue, and because I am hopeful that the bill's flaws can be cured during the next stages of the legislative process. Despite our differences in approach, all of us in this Chamber agree on three core principles that form the bedrock of any comprehensive immigration reform. First, we must do something about the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants who live and work in the shadows. The status quo is simply unacceptable. It harms citizens and noncitizens alike and makes us less safe as a nation. Second, we must take the necessary steps to prevent illegal immigration in the future so that we do not find ourselves back here in the same position 20 years from now. And, third, we must establish a system that allows people who can make valuable contributions to our society--by, for example, strengthening families or performing jobs that cannot be filled by Americans--to enter the country legally. These goals must be accomplished in a way that is consistent with our values as a nation.”