[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 20, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S9738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              IMMIGRATION

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I wish to comment on the issue before us 
today. I am glad we are dealing with this question. It is certainly one 
that has had a great deal of discussion and impact all over the country 
as to how we handle it. I think it is one of our principal issues. 
Certainly, there is a different view as to how it ought to be handled 
and all these kinds of things; nevertheless, I believe it is important 
that we begin to do something. Even though there are many other things 
that legitimately could be considered, of course, sealing the border is 
probably the first step that ought to be done.
  The Senate, of course, passed a bill that was quite lengthy--
including ways and means of dealing with those who are already here 
illegally--and created a good deal of discussion and debate. I didn't 
support the Senate bill in that I thought it was too broad in terms of 
dealing with people who had come here illegally, even though I do 
believe there are some, depending on the situation, who should be given 
an opportunity to go through the system. But I am pleased that we are 
beginning to do something.
  The first thing, obviously, is to do something about the border. I am 
going to support the bill before us, although I don't think it is 
perfect. I think, frankly, there needs to be some limit on building 
fences. I cannot imagine building a fence, a 40-foot-tall fence, all 
across the border. All we would have is 40-foot ladders if we did that. 
But there are areas in particular where this needs to be done. I think 
this is an authorization where some decisions can be made with respect 
to how that is done.
  There ought to be other things we consider along with it. One of them 
is that we need to have a modernized system for people coming to the 
United States. All of us want workers and immigrants to be able to come 
legally. That system needs to be modernized, made more efficient, so 
that those kinds of things can happen without taking a very long time. 
We are challenged with the notion of having some kind of identification 
system where we can tell easily and clearly who are legitimate citizens 
and who are not.
  In connection with that, I believe it is appropriate for employers to 
be required to report as to who on their work staff is legal and who 
isn't. As I said, this is a difficult issue and one we need to work on.
  I simply want to say I am pleased we are moving forward to do 
something. I intend to support this movement today for cloture. I hope 
we can do that so we can start to do something about this issue, which 
is one of the most important issues to all of us.
  I yield the floor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Missouri is 
recognized.

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