[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 15, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H4971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM MUST BEGIN WITH AFFIRMATION OF THE 
                              RULE OF LAW

  (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, on immigration reform the halls of Congress 
are abuzz with rumors of a ``grand compromise'' on the issue of illegal 
immigration. There is talk of a proposal that would allow millions of 
illegal immigrants to remain in this country by merely paying a fine.
  Let me say emphatically, Madam Speaker, amnesty is no bargain for the 
American people. Any effort at comprehensive immigration reform must 
begin by rejecting amnesty, will put border security first, and not 
implement any type of temporary worker program until border security 
measures have been undertaken and completed. And once a temporary 
worker program begins, we must require that every person who has come 
into this country illegally leave the United States and apply outside 
of our country for the legal right to live and work here. And if they 
come under the color of the law, we must require temporary workers to 
learn the language of the American people.
  In addition, serious fines and an electronic verification system must 
ensure a full partnership between American business and the American 
government in enforcing our immigration laws.
  The real grand bargain for the American people is comprehensive 
immigration reform that begins with an affirmation of the rule of law.

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