Published May 22, 2007
Senator opposed to amnesty

By Matt Clower, The Messenger



U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby said he remains staunchly opposed to any immigration reform legislation that offers amnesty to current illegal immigrants.

Shelby, in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday, said granting amnesty to illegal immigrants would be like rewarding them for breaking the law.

“If we were to pass this bill, and I'm afraid it will pass, though not with my vote, we are saying that if you break the law, if you come here and stay long enough, we'll give you a way to stay forever,â€