This came US mail Sat 3/3/07


Febuary 12,2007


Dear Greg:

Thank you for contacting me about immigration reform. I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, there has been a reexamination of our immigration laws with the goal of eliminating vulnerabilities in our national security. While we must work to keep America safe and secure, I believe that we also must preserve those values that have made America a melting pot of nationalities and cultures.
A number of bills have been introduced regarding immigration reform, including H.R. 3525, the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act, which Congressman James
Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced on December 19. 2001. The purpose of this bill was to strengthen the security of our borders, secure our visa entry systems, and enhance our ability to deter potential terrorists. This bill passed the House on May 8. 2002, by a vote of 41 1-0 and passed the Senate on April 18, 2002, by a vote of 97-0, with my support. President Bush signed this bill into law on May 14. 2002.
Additionally, several bills have been introduced more recently to provide comprehensive reform
our immigration system. On December 6. 2005, Representative Sensenbrenner introduced H.R.
4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. On
December 16, 2005. H.R. 4437 passed the House by the vote of 239-182.
On April 7, 2006, Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, introduced 5. 2611, the Comprehensive Immigration Act of 2006. This bill would increase border security, create a new guest worker program, and addresses undocumented aliens currently in the U.S.
It may interest you to know that in addition to the measures already being undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security, the Comprehensive Immigration Act will increase border security by adding: (1) 1,000 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigators each year from FYO7-FY1 1. (2) 2,000 more border patrol agents in FY06, (3) 2,400 more border patrol agents each year from FYO7-FYO 11, (4) construction of 370 miles of new triple layer fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers to defend our borders: and (5) the replacement of all deteriorating or damaged fencing in Arizona to further protect our borders. Additionally, the bill requires the construction of a virtual fence by using unmanned aerial vehicles, cameras. and ground sensors.
The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act takes a tiered approach to address undocumented aliens residing in the U.S. The bill allows undocumented aliens who have been here more than five years to stay in the U.S. and adjust to legal status, if and only if, they have passed a number of requirements including: (1) demonstrate proficiency in the English language, (2) pay all back taxes, (3) register for the selective service if applicable. (4) successful passage of a criminal background check: and (5) successful passage of American civics exams. Those who have been here less than five years but more than two years would be required to exit the country and return through a port of entry with a visa obtained via the new guest-worker program. Finally, those undocumented aliens who have resided in the U.S. two years or less would be required to return to their home country, where they could then apply to enter the U.S. legally using a guest-worker program, or by applying for citizenship using existing procedures.
On May 25, 2006. the Senate passed 5. 2611 by a vote of 62-36. with my support. The differences between the House and Senate approaches to this issue must be resolved by a conference committee. The Senate and House may vote on a final ithmigration bill if the conference committee can reach agreement on a number of difficult issues.
We must protect the integrity of our borders and ensure the safety of our citizens. I also recognize that we are a nation of immigrants who have been and continue to be an important part of our social fabric, our history and our economy. I am pleased that the Senate was able to work in a bi-partisan manner to produce a comprehensive immigration bill. As Congress continues to consider this issue. I will be sure to bear your comments in mind.
Thank you again for contacting me. As a fellow Ohioan. I genuinely appreciate hearing from you. Please feel free to contact me again regarding this or any other issue that concerns you.





George V. Voinovich

United States Senator
Sincerely,
GVV/pd