Jay Rockefeller: “I share the Chairman's disappointment that the Senate decided to add section 4417 to explicitly exclude students and…”

“I share the Chairman's disappointment that the Senate decided to add section 4417 to explicitly exclude students and tourists from ICHIA coverage, but I also agree with him that by not excluding other categories of lawfully residing noncitizens in section 4417, such as those granted RPI, Blue Card, or V-visa status, the Senate intended to preserve their benefits. One of the hallmarks of our Nation is our willingness to protect the most vulnerable among us. People from all over the world want to be part of America because of our deeply-rooted respect for human dignity. Although it is not perfect--few laws are--the bipartisan immigration bill passed by the Senate this week lives up to those values in so many ways. It brings millions of hard working people out of the shadows, gives young students an opportunity to earn citizenship by furthering their education or serving in the military, reunites families who yearn to spend time with their loved ones, protects victims of domestic violence, and preserves health care coverage for noncitizen children and pregnant women who earn legal status under the bill. Immigrants are not under any illusions that they will qualify for lavish benefits under our Federal programs when they arrive on our shores. But under this bill, they at least know that when medical needs arise or a medical disaster strikes, the vast majority of noncitizen children and pregnant women will be covered. I yield the floor.”