U.S. Senator Passage Of Immigration Bill...

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U.S. Senator Passage Of Immigration Bill

WASHINGTON– U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, applauded Senate passage of S.2611, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006. The bill passed by a vote of 62-36.

The approved measure includes two amendments sponsored by Senator Gregg. The first amendment, sponsored by U.S. Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), is to reform the current green card lottery program by reallocating two-thirds of the 50,000 visas currently issued to a new advanced degree lottery system. The visas issued under the proposed advanced degree visa lottery would only be available to applicants who have a masters or doctorate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The Gregg-Cantwell amendment, approved by a vote of 56-42, represents a bipartisan response to address shortages in these areas. The second amendment by Senator Gregg and Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) would provide funding for border security through a $500 supplemental fee on individuals wishing to change their status from illegal aliens to legal. This amendment was approved by a vote of 73-25.

Senator Gregg stated, “Managing America’s borders and dealing with immigration are two of the most significant issues we face today as a nation. This is because a porous border poses a tremendous threat to our national security. At the same time, the culture and strength of America is defined and energized by immigration but it must occur in an orderly and legal manner.

“I have made restoring order and security to our border one of my top priorities and we have seen some moderate success. Since I took over Chairmanship of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, we have made significant strides in improving border security. Last year’s appropriations bill included $5.9 billion for Customs and Border Protection and $3.1 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These funds will provide, among other things, 1,000 new border control agents; funding for over 40,700 positions dedicated to protecting our borders and enforcing immigration laws; over $10.6 million to train new border and immigration enforcement personnel; and $1.3 billion for the detention of illegal aliens.

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