Reply by Senator Johanns:

Letter, 7/10: Promises in disappearing ink

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10 hours ago
(6) Comments


A recent editorial ("A sorry sight on immigration," July 5) accused me of digging in my heels on the recent immigration debate in the Senate. I voted to begin debate on this legislation. I also offered and cosponsored numerous amendments to fix the bill. Those amendments, for the most part, were blocked because the Senate majority leader dug in his heels by refusing to let them come up for a vote.

I agree with the Editorial Board that “America's immigration system is broken.” Where I disagree is the apparent belief that this flawed piece of legislation, which cleared the Senate without my support, passes for a solution.

If you remove the rose-colored glasses and examine the bill's text, you quickly find many of the bill's promises are written in disappearing ink because of attached waivers.

One such waiver would allow the Homeland Security secretary to eliminate the new border security requirements — a key part of immigration reform -- after 10 years if any litigation delays their implementation.

The secretary also can waive provisions prohibiting illegal immigrants with gang affiliations or other criminal offenses from receiving citizenship. The bill's work requirements can likewise be waived, and the legislation could leave hard-working families on the hook for funding benefits to folks who broke the law.

Nebraskans deserve a straightforward solution to immigration reform, not one that contains escape hatches to avoid needed requirements and reforms.

The overwhelming majority of Nebraskans opposed this bill. I know this from the many discussions I've had with folks across the state. It's my job to listen to those views, delve beyond the talking points and make informed decisions. And that is what I did.


U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb.

http://journalstar.com/news/opinion/...0c05b2ee0.html