    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [May 17, 2007]
    [Pages 598-599]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action on Immigration Reform
    May 17, 2007

        Today Republicans and Democrats in the United States Senate came
    together and agreed upon a proposal that offers a much needed solution
    to the problem of illegal immigration in this country. This proposal
    delivers an immigration system that is secure, productive, orderly, and
    fair. I applaud the Senators who worked in the spirit of bipartisanship
    over the past months to address this issue, which is critically
    important to the American people.
        Our immigration system is badly in need of reform. The bipartisan
    solution the Senators agreed to today requires us to meet important
    goals in addressing border security and enhancing interior and worksite
    enforcement. Once those goals are met, the plan would create a
    temporary-worker program to address the needs of our growing economy and
    take pressure off the border by allowing workers to come to this country
    for a short period of time and fill jobs Americans are not doing. For
    immigrants wishing to come to our country permanently, in the future, it
    would also establish a new merit-based system, which takes into account
    job skills, education, English proficiency, and family ties.
        The plan would bring undocumented workers already in this country
    out of the shadows without amnesty and without animosity. It would
    require workers to pay a meaningful penalty, learn English, pay their
    taxes, and pass a background check before they can be considered for
    legalized status. If they achieve this legalized status and decide they
    want to apply for a green card, they must return home to file an
    application in order to get in line behind all of those who have played
    by the rules and followed the law.
        Finally, our country has been a melting pot for over 200 years, and
    that has given us much strength. We must continue to help immigrants
    assimilate into our society. This proposal would further that effort by
    affirming that English is the language of the United States and would
    help immigrants learn our language by directing the Department of
    Education to make English instruction freely available over the
    Internet.
        Convictions run deep on the matter of immigration, but with this
    bipartisan agreement, I am confident leaders in Washington can have a
    serious, civil, and conclusive debate so I can sign comprehensive reform
    into law this year. I urge all Members to support this bipartisan
    immigration reform proposal.

    Note: The statement referred to S. 1348.

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