Gephardt Statement on Bush's New Immigration Policy

January 7, 2004 -

Washington, DC - Dick Gephardt today released the following statement on President Bush's Immigration policy.

"After a long delay, President Bush has announced immigration reform principles that place a greater emphasis on political positioning than serious policy solutions. President Bush's proposal to grant temporary worker status to undocumented immigrants is, at best, a half measure that has the potential to do more harm than good.

"Over the past three years, President Bush has been silent on the need for comprehensive immigration reform that is fair to undocumented immigrants who play by the rules and pay their taxes while enhancing homeland security. I was the first to introduce legislation that accomplishes both goals. My Earned Legalization and Family Unification Act of 2001, drafted with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, would bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and into the light of greater accountability by granting legal status to those who can prove that they have been in the United States for five years, have a work history of at least two years and can pass a criminal background check. My legislation would also speed the reunification of immigrant families to solidify family ties and build stronger communities.

"Our nation needs immigration reform because it is the right thing to do. We must recognize and reward the hard work of undocumented immigrants who have come to our country to embrace the American dream and contribute to our economic prosperity. At the same time, we need immigration reform to enhance our security. Reducing the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States will enable us to better focus on individuals who pose a real terrorist threat to our nation. In addition, streamlining the enforcement of our immigration laws will allow us to shift important enforcement resources to tracking down those who have come to the United States to do us real harm.

"I welcome President Bush back to the debate on immigration reform, but I challenge him to go beyond mere rhetoric and support a more comprehensive reform proposal such as my earned legalization proposal. I also challenge the president to press the Republican leadership in Congress to pass important bipartisan immigration proposals that are pending in Congress like the DREAM Act, which will provide assistance and access to a college education for qualified undocumented immigrant students who are among our best brightest."