Dear XXXXXXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting me about immigration reform. I appreciate hearing from you on this very important issue.

I think we can all agree that the current immigration system is broken. Until the system is fixed, Minnesota families, businesses, and communities will continue to suffer. That's why I support comprehensive immigration reform.

Several senators recently released a comprehensive immigration reform framework, the Real Enforcement with Practical Alternatives for Immigration Reform (REPAIR) proposal. I was pleased to see that the REPAIR proposal includes strong, but humane, border protection provisions. I also support many of its other provisions, including those promoting family unity, guest worker, and education reforms, including the DREAM Act.

I was most pleased to see that the REPAIR proposal included special protections for children in immigration enforcement activities. I recently introduced my own bill, the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections for Separated Children Act, or the HELP Separated Children Act, which will make sure that Minnesota children aren't unnecessarily hurt in enforcement actions.

Some have expressed concern that comprehensive reform will include an "amnesty" for undocumented individuals. While I do support a pathway to citizenship for certain eligible immigrants, any reform proposal that I support will make sure that people on that pathway pay their dues, pay a substantial fine, and get to the back of the line. When immigrants are required to become legal, they become accountable, tax-paying members of society.

These reforms would bring much needed changes to Minnesotans. They would enhance public safety, improve accountability, and combat illegal immigration. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to enact comprehensive immigration reform to make the system work for Minnesotans and all Americans.

Thank you again for contacting me, and please do not hesitate to do so in the future on this or any other matter of concern to you.

Sincerely,

Signature

Al Franken
United States Senator