Senate Democrats, led by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), on June 22nd reaffirmed their commitment to a common sense, comprehensive solution to illegal immigration by introducing the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2011.
The legislation, introduced by Senator Menendez along with fellow Senate Democratic co-sponsors Harry Reid (D-NV), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and John Kerry (D-MA), offers a workable blueprint for how our nation could fix its broken immigration system with real and lasting reform. The legislation outlines an approach to immigration policy that would benefit all Americans and restore the rule of law to our dysfunctional immigration system.
Rather than the ineffective, band-aid approach currently being pursued by Republicans in the House and Senate, the Menendez bill pairs implementation of a new employment authorization verification regime with legalization of the undocumented workforce and other provisions. By phasing in legalization of qualified workers at the same time the government improves the existing E-Verify program and expands the number of businesses using it, the Menendez bill will avoid that traps of the Smith-Grassley legislation which will simply push more jobs and workers into the underground economy.
According to Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice Education Fund, “In comparison to Republican band-aid proposals like mandatory E-Verify legislation, the Senate Democrats' approach is a complete solution. By turning undocumented workers into legal workers, full taxpayers and American citizens, this legislation will increase revenues, expand employment and grow the economy. Instead of playing politics around immigration issues, and wreaking havoc on our economy and taxpayers in the process, the adults in the GOP should recognize that approach embodied by the Senate Democrats' bill is the right one for their own Party as well as the country."
©2011 America's Voice