[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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