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.

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Comments 361-365 of 5293

Shelley Hoelz

05/05/2013 11:46 PM

There is no way to tell if the border is secure without being able to accurately tell how many are coming across. The gov numbers are bogus. But there is a sonic barrier system that can count how many and what crosses that border - a prototype is working on the border right now.
The border is a national security issue. The "poor illegal" is a cover for much more dangerous activity taking place. Then thru Fast & Furious we send weapons to Mexico to be used against us.
Giving yet another amnesty program to illegals does not work - this would make number 8 I believe. Every time an increase in illegal activity takes place. We have no idea who these people are or where they come from - some are from enemy countries, other are from groups like LaRaza who believes the southwest US was stolen from Mexico and they are here to reclaim it.
Giving amnesty is basically giving up our country to illegal invaders against the will of the US citizens.
While there are a number of people that we feel for, what about all those that came here LEGALLY? We diminish the legal process by forgiving the illegal activity.
Absolutely NO CITIZENSHIP should be given to anyone who crossed the border illegally! While we may give them permission to stay they should NEVER be granted citizenship or the ability to vote. Drivers license MUST identify them as immigrants so they cannot use it for ID to obtain voting rights or welfare benefits. No welfare should be given to any illegals. I had a proposal which I gave to my rep, but unfortunately he was defeated in the last election. If you are interested I would be happy to send it to you.
Most important, until the border is secure no decisions on what to do with the illegal invaders here should be discussed. SECURE THE BORDER FIRST!
Kurt W. Morgan

05/05/2013 11:41 PM

First of all no policy should be made to allow illegal aliens of the hook. If they went through the process fine. The very act of being illegal is by nature a crime and should not be rewarded with gifts of money and tax breaks. They are living off from a system wich they have not paid into and should not benefit. Bottom line being if they are not a citizen the right of a citizen should not be granted.
M. Mulkin

05/05/2013 11:18 PM

Sen. Rubio,
As you can see from the previous comments, here, we do not support you or this immigration reform in any way shape or form!! There can be no amnesty for criminal aliens, no possible citizenship in the future and no benefits or citizenship for those they breed over here! The children are criminals by the fact that they stay in this country and have no right to be here! Secure our borders and quit playing games with all the criminal aliens in our country. Put them out!
Securing our borders is the first priority no matter how much force we must use to do this. At some future time, maybe, we can discuss letting Mexicans, over to work in our country. However, never, never the criminal aliens that have snuck into our country illegally!!!
Theresa Martens

05/05/2013 11:17 PM

Anyone that wants to live here, work hard, pay taxes, and assimilate to the American culture, including swearing allegiance and learning the history and language is welcome. Criminals are not. If they have a record they are deported. Non citizens living off of welfare and sponging off the system are deported, including students. A second violation will carry mandatory jail time of 5 years. Those here working and paying into the system, learning the language, educating their children, putting down roots HERE for over 3 years will be given citizenship after completing the necessary citizenship classes and background checks. All non citizens wanting to visit will be identified, documented and tracked with recognition technology at all ports of entry, boat, bus, train, plane, and border stations...check in at the door.
Gloria Girard

05/05/2013 11:14 PM

NO AMNESTY!! Attempts in securing the borders seems to be at the bottom of every one's list. I live near the border in Arizona and so this concerns me. The border patrol here in Arizona is taking a 40% cut in pay. So how does anyone plan on securing the borders without border patrol serveilance. Your plan sounds good on paper, but as I would suspect this will change dramatically once it is presented to other senate members. Too bad... And I think that a 10 year temporary green card is too long maybe 5-7 years.