What would be the impact on illegal immigration if current guestworker programs were expanded, or new programs created?
These are all important questions, and that’s why I’m pleased to be here for today’s hearing. However, it seems to me that the timing of today’s hearing is no coincidence. In one committee room after another, the Democratic majority has been paying noticeably more attention to the issue of legal and illegal immigration lately. And while I appreciate the long-overdue focus on these issues of national importance, I feel obligated to point out that hearings are no substitute for real action. The fact is, Congress has an opportunity to take action on immigration reform by allowing a vote on H.R. 4088, the SAVE Act. To date, 187 members have signed a discharge petition to bring that bill – offered by a member of the majority party – to a vote by the full House. Still, the majority has refused to allow an up-or-down vote. So, while I appreciate the opportunity to examine these issues before us today, I would like to state for the record my disappointment at the majority’s unwillingness to al
