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 446-450 of 5293

Rick Bennett

05/05/2013 03:48 PM

Secure the border and enforce the current laws we have already! Nothing more should be discussed until that happens.
Don't be a fool, you are being used by the Democrats. Then again is there any difference between the two parties?
John Manigold

05/05/2013 03:45 PM

Gang of 8 Democrat/Rhinos sounds, smells, looks & feels like amnesty.
SECURE the borders. Deport any/all that have committed crimes after ILLEGALY entering the USA.
I lived in El Paso(50 years) and worked in Mexico for over 20 years. My family moved to El Paso about1908. I have worked with Mexicans and Spanish speaking Americans for over 40 years.
I know a little about the Spanish speaking immigrants both illegal and legal-many of my friends and ex wife are LEGAL immigrants.
They -nor WE-don't deserve to have illegals get citizenship because they are lucky or "there are TOO many to deport". I know of one immigrant that waited nearly ten years to LEGALLY immigrate to USA/EL PASO.
Bill Porter

05/05/2013 03:39 PM

Sen Rubio,
Securing the southern border should be a mandatory precondition - it must be done before there is any question of amnesty (in whatever form) for illegal aliens already here. It is ludicrous that we have a border across which anyone (terrorist or drug runner or farm worker) can simply walk with little chance of being apprehended. And let's face it, we the people don't trust the promises of politicians in Washington, particularly Democrats.
We can and should reform the immigration system for legal immigrants. Having been through it, I know that it is difficult and even frightening for most people - and I am a retired UK lawyer! We should also make it easier for skilled people to get a visa. These reforms can and should be carried out as a stand alone measure - there is no reason why they should be linked inextricably to the issue of illegal immigrants already here.
Once these matters have been dealt with, the last thorny issue could be addressed. However, even a long path to citizenship for illegals is going to be unfair to those like me who followed the legal course.
Sincerely
Bill Porter
Jim Matthews

05/05/2013 03:38 PM

Current Immigration and Employment laws are MANDATORY.
Enforce them or Impeach the officeholder violating his oath of office to do so!:
1. Deport Illegal Aliens whenever encountered by LEO anywhere in US.
2. Finish the REAL Fence.
3. Turn back on the Virtual Fence.
4. Honor 287(g) and local jail/resource cost payments.
5. I-9 audits.
6. REAL ID Drivers' License required of all states.
7. Complete the 1996 Immigration reforms of biometric ID tracking of all VISA/Non-VISA entrants.
8. Purge all welfare benefits from fraudulent participation of Illegal Aliens.
9. Enforce rigid Immigration quotas disallowing any new entry from Mexico and nations south for next 100 years!
Add just 10-30 pages of 'new' mandates to be effective on July 4th:
1. E-verify MANDATORY for all employments.
2. National Guard MANDATORY as requested by Border Governors up to 15,000 FTE's for two week annual training.
3. Revoke VISA/Non-VISA entrance from all Muslim nations until they condemn and eliminate JIHAD killing of innocents as a religious practice at their single tent Mecca meeting of all sects.
4. Issue a Moratorium on all new Legal Immigration until the US REAL unemployment rate if below 4% - ie "any adult needing a job for subsistence"!
Don't allow any new category of 'immigrants' until these actions are taken and reviewed by Congress next year for the obviousness of actual enforcement activity accomplished!
Simple Common Cents Solution!
Comments on this site are running 7 to 1 against this bill, Senator?
And my first three never got 'moderated' for inclusion?
Robert E. Grier

05/05/2013 03:32 PM

Senator,
I will not waste my time suggesting detailed improvements to you or your staff. You have wandered out of the field of faith and support that your constituents granted to you upon your election. We expect you to promote the well-being of United States citizens, not non-citizens. Your sponsorship of this latest amnesty proposal is becoming comical. The public is well aware that you have no intention of enforcing this bill in our favor. We already have immigration statutes. They work fine when they are enforced. You have reached the point where we hear you speak and we don't trust you. Congratulations, you are the next generation Chuck Schumer-and you're a Republican!!!