Fighting for Florida

On April 17, my colleagues and I introduced immigration legislation. It marked a first step toward achieving the strongest border security and enforcement measures in U.S. history, modernizing our legal immigration system to unleash strong economic growth and job creation, and dealing with our undocumented immigrant population in a tough, but fair way that is directly linked to achieving several security triggers.

While I believe this legislation will accomplish these things, I am also confident that an open and transparent process – one that engages every senator and the American people – will make it even better. I believe this kind of open debate is critical in helping the American people understand what’s in the bill, what it means for you and what it means for our future.

During my time in the Senate, many of you have written to me about your concerns with our immigration system. Today, I want to share this video with you in which I outline what this legislation sets out to do. And most importantly, I want to invite you to share your thoughts and submit your ideas below, on ways we can improve it.

Comments 411-415 of 5293

Lorri Arnett

05/05/2013 06:51 PM

Here are my thoughts and ideas on your introduced immigration legislation. I realize it is a waste of time as I've been around long enough to know that most you who we elect to "...support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; ...bear true faith and allegiance to the same..." can't, don't, won't and probably will never do so. But, for what it's worth:
1. Guest worker program vs. high unemployment:
High tech and agricultural industries would NOT have a problem if they (and all other industries) would consider paying American workers American wages plus benefits, rather than using Illegal Aliens at less than minimum wage and no benefits. Unemployment would decrease and perhaps illegal immigration would decrease if the jobs weren't made available to them.
2. Legal Immigration System:
We should have NO illegals in our country. If we have to start over, then start over! You say, "..laws are only as good as your ability to enforce them." Why haven't we been enforcing all those laws on the books regarding illegal immigrants? Why didn't we start enforcing those laws after 9-11?
...You talk about border security? We, the American people, have been demanding border security for years. We need 100% of our borders secured, not just the southern border (though that is definitely first priority). Creating a Border commission if your planned-for commission doesn't work? Arizona came up with their own plan. Hmmm. Wasn't there talk about that state being sued by the Federal Government for daring to stop the flow of illegal immigrants?
...You talk about Universal E-Verify? E-Verify is linked to Form I-9, which is required by law, but participation in E-Verify is voluntary. It should be mandatory. Our laws require companies to employ only those people who may legally work here in the United States - either US citizens or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization.. Why aren't companies fined for not using E-Verify?
...You talk about tracking entry and exit of immigrants? Please! We can't even keep track of the laws you people have written. And, we certainly haven't done a great job tracking people lately, have we?
3. What do we do with the millions of people who are already here illegally?
...Roundup and deport? - Why not? It seems to me that this would be the fastest way to help our country. We have plenty of unemployed people who could be hired and trained to do the roundup and deportation. Think of the jobs created for this process: Immigration officers, clerical workers, bus drivers, etc., etc. Think of all the money from payroll taxes that would be going to decrease our deficit...money not now being collected in most cases from the illegal workers and their employers.
...Make life difficult so they would deport themselves? Again, why not? They have certainly made life difficult for the American citizens over these countless number of years.
...Ignore the problem? We're already know how great we are at this. We really need to do something beneficial to America and her citizens. Ignorance is not bliss. Whatever happened to "America First?"
...Accommodate reality? You are talking about accommodating reality for the illegal immigrants, Senator Rubio. The reality is these people are not going to come forward. They are not going to start paying taxes. They will not be limited in their travel. They will continue to take advantage of our system because they know they can.
You HAVE to, you MUST, start thinking about accommodating the American citizen. THAT, Sir, is the reality. America and her citizens MUST COME FIRST!
Janet Stevenson

05/05/2013 06:37 PM

This bill has more waivers and loopholes than Obamacare does. If these guys can't keep Jose on the other side of the border now they won't be able to keep him across the border later. There is no enforcement in this bill just more promises that they know will never be kept.
H K

05/05/2013 06:36 PM

Sir: SCRAP the entire bill and start over!!! It is full of holes and favors illegal aliens.
SECURE THE BORDER FIRST!!!!!
Janet Stevenson

05/05/2013 06:36 PM

This bill has more waivers and loopholes than Obamacare does. If these guys can't keep Jose on the other side of the border now they won't be able to keep him across the border later. There is no enforcement in this bill just more promises that they know will never be kept.
Kevin M. Dana

05/05/2013 06:30 PM

Senator Rubio
Why have you changed your position on this issue? Which business leaders have managed to change your mind? We the citizens of the USA need to know the answer so we can put the heat on them too!
We do not need any any reform, we need to INFORCE current law. No Anchor babies. Deporting them is the cheepest way to solve this in the long run. Finish the double layer fence and reinforce with troops and armed aircraft. Just like any other firstworld to third world border would and should be. And to be fare the northern border and the coastal areas should be reinforced also.
Thank you.