John McCain Believes Immigration Reform Is A National Security Priority That Demands Immediate Action. In this post-September 11 era of constant terrorist threats, we need reform that will bring illegal immigrants out of hiding so Homeland Security and law enforcement officials can focus their resources where they are most needed, and that is on those who choose to remain hidden because they mean to do us harm.This Is A First Step, But An Important One. It is important to keep in mind that the framework announced by the Administration and the bipartisan group of senators is just that – a first step. John McCain believes that any legislation emanating from this framework must be in accordance with these three crucial principles:
Border Security and Enforcement First. The framework agreement ensures that we will immediately put in place the infrastructure to secure our borders and implement a functioning employment verification system.
No Amnesty For Illegal Immigrants. Only after specific enforcement and security triggers are met will the temporary guest worker provisions and the legalization program for the undocumented included in the bill take effect.
A Better, Stronger Citizenry. The framework announced would reform our immigration system to ensure all future efforts to attract immigrants are directed towards those who have the job skills, education, and English language proficiency that will make them productive Americans.
The Bipartisan Framework Has Received Praise From Conservative Republican Leaders. The President, Secretary of Homeland Security Mike Chertoff, and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez joined leading conservative Republican Senators in praising the bipartisan framework.
"I think it's a matter of national security, and to do nothing - to leave the status quo - would be an abrogation of our responsibilities to the American people."
-Senator John McCain
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY): The need to secure our borders, and to have a real security infrastructure in place is critical … I believe the agreement is far stronger than the bill the Senate produced last year. (Sen. Mitch McConnell, Release, 5/17/07)
Senate GOP Conference Chairman Jon Kyl (R-AZ): “…[I]t represents the best opportunity that we have in a bipartisan way to do something about this problem, and if we had not gotten together as Republicans and Democrats to develop this bipartisan consensus we can be assured that there would not be a bill passed this year and probably not next year. (Sen. Jon Kyl, Press Conference, 5/17/07)
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA): “We have found a broad agreement that can be the foundation for a meaningful change and for the security of our borders and respect for our immigration process.” (Sen. Johnny Isakson, Press Conference, 5/17/07)
Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA): “ [T]here is no guaranteed pathway to citizenship for anybody in this bill. But anybody who is going to become a citizen is now going to have to have a real appreciation for what it means to be an American, and why it’s important to be an American.” (Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Press Conference, 5/17/07)
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