[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 82 (Thursday, May 16, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                              Immigration

  Mr. President, throughout our country's history, we welcomed men and 
women and children from other countries who are inspired by the 
freedoms and the prosperity made possible by our Constitution and by 
our democracy. Whether those immigrants crossed oceans generations ago 
or were more recently naturalized, we are glad they chose to bring 
their dreams and talents to the United States because ours, after all, 
is a proud nation of immigrants. I believe the contributions of those 
who have chosen to seek citizenship in our country have made us 
stronger, smarter, and the preeminent force on the world stage.
  It is important to remember, as we debate immigration reform or what 
to do about the humanitarian crisis and security crisis on the border--
it is important to remember that the United States is the most generous 
country in the world when it comes to legal immigration. Every year, 
our Nation admits more than 1 million new legal immigrants, and I am 
proud of that fact. I am also proud of the fact that these 
individuals--these 1 million individuals who immigrated to our 
country--do so in compliance with the laws of the land that they now 
call home. Perhaps one of the ultimate demonstrations of respect is 
recognizing the responsibilities all of us have to abide by the laws of 
the land.
  We know our immigration system is not perfect. It has flaws. I would 
argue it is outdated and inefficient, and it hasn't kept up with the 
needs of our economy. Our immigration system needs a fundamental review 
to determine what is working and what isn't so we can create a new 
legal immigration system that benefits both immigrants and our success 
as a nation.
  I know there is widespread agreement in the Senate that our legal 
immigration system could be made better, and I hope there is enough 
will in Congress to have serious discussions about how to fix it.
  This afternoon, the President is expected to announce his proposal to 
reform our legal immigration system, and I am glad he and his 
administration have made this a priority. I look forward to reviewing 
the final text of the proposal once it is available.
  For those who would criticize the proposal made by the Trump 
administration, I believe it is incumbent on them to say what they 
would do to fix our broken immigration system, to improve our system of 
legal immigration, so we can continue to welcome immigrants from around 
the world who want to make America their home and truly become 
Americans.
  Those who just sit on the sidelines and throw brickbats and 
criticize, I think they demean this system of legal immigration, which 
is really one of the great treasures of the American way of life.
  I continue to be hopeful that we can work our way through this. I am 
glad the President is making this a priority, and I look forward to 
hearing more about the details of his plan.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa.