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 431-435 of 5293

Kim Michael Pyle

05/05/2013 05:05 PM

-Enforce the laws we have now!
-Complete the border fence like it is in San Diego...all the way across!
-Make E-Verify mandatory nationwide...immediately, not dismantling it and having it back up in FIVE YEARS FROM NOW.
Debbie Byrd

05/05/2013 04:57 PM

I think we dont have enough jobs now time to make jobs for the U.S. people send them back and let them come in right kids that are born here are not american if i went to another country and not got legal thy would seen me back we have laws now just in force them we the people of the U.S.are not dumb in force the laws we have now
Greg W. Simmons

05/05/2013 04:55 PM

Senator, you and the rest of your "gang of 8" should scrap your current “plan” and start over. Any program that gives illegal aliens the right to become citizens IS NOT immigration reform, it is amnesty. The first step must be to enforce the laws we currently have in place. If someone is here illegally they must be deported immediately and should not be eligible for immigration for at least five (5) years. The only exception should be if the person can prove that returning to their homeland would subject them to persecution. Criminal prosecution is not a valid reason to avoid deportation. Anyone who comes here is not eligible for any public assistance or benefits until they become a citizen. They must have a job and must pay all applicable taxes. Their tax rate should be a higher rate than a US citizen. Companies who hire non-citizens should also pay higher taxes. Immigrates must become a citizen within five (5) years or return to their native country for at least two (2) years. Only citizens can vote, hold public office, serve on juries or own firearms. They must learn to read, write and speak English at a high school level. They can serve in the military once they have lived here for two (2) years and can be granted citizenship after serving two (2) years. A child can become a citizen either by completing their citizenship requirements by age eighteen (18) or once both parents become citizens.
Gene Kinzer

05/05/2013 04:52 PM

First, do a border security bill and completely and effectively secure our border. After this is completed and well under way to complete implementation you may introduce a bill to deal with the millions of illegal immigrants within our borders. Then we can find a solution, but first the root of the problem (an unsecure border)has to be dealt with, then you will find support of the American people to solve the rest of the situation. Maybe permanent residence without the right to citizenship unless they go back and get in line or stay here and get in line, enlist in the Armed Forces. College doesn't cut it for citizenship, serving the country does.
Aliza Ratterree

05/05/2013 04:47 PM

No. No, no, no. No more incentives for illegal immigrants. Enforce border security. Enforce E-verify. We do NOT need STEM workers. We have millions of highly skilled and highly educated Americans that cannot find a job. We have record-breaking unemployment. Please stop using the mantra that illegals perform jobs that Americans won't do. That is nonsense! No benefits like social security, medicaid, medicare, tax credits or food stamps for people that have not put one red cent into our economy. This is a disgrace to our nation. DO YOUR JOB!