U.S. Rep Ron Barber's Statement on Senate Passage of Immigration Bill

Statement

U.S. Rep. Ron Barber today issued a statement after the Senate passed comprehensive legislation to reform the immigration system.

In a letter to the Senate in April, Barber urged the them to craft a bipartisan immigration plan and to ensure that border security is a priority in their final agreement. "The safety and economic well-being of my constituents depends on it," Barber told the senators.

The Senate voted 68-32 today to approve legislation to overhaul the immigration system, including measures to increase security at the borders and create a pathway toward citizenship.

Congressman Barber's statement:

I am pleased the Senate took much-needed action today to fix our nation's broken immigration system. For too long, Arizona has shouldered the burden of illegal immigration and it is long-past time that the federal government steps up to its responsibilities to the people of Arizona and the nation.

We must ensure the safety, security and economic well-being of Southern Arizonans and those who live and work near the border. I call on House leadership to quickly bring a bipartisan immigration plan to the floor that secures our border, strengthens our nation's economy and addresses our broken immigration system in a fair and efficient manner.

My constituents cannot afford to wait any longer while this issue remains unresolved because of Washington gridlock and partisan politics. We must come together and act now.

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