| Ron Wyden Oregon United States Senate To: Me Dear M & M thank you for contacting me to share your concerns about Immigration reform. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue. i believe we need to reform US immigration law and policy, and hoped to do so this session of Congress. If congress is ever going to solve this problem and move beyond the failed strateies of the past, a new, broder framework is needed. Critically, the federal government must stop turning a blind eye to immigration law violations. In May 2007, the Senate began debate on a bill that would have finally committed the government to enforcing the nation's immigration laws strictly and to securing our borders. This bill, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (CIRA), would have placed hundreds of miles of fencing and physical barriers along the southern lborder; dramatically increasing the number of border patrol and interior enforcement agents; and increaded penalties for illegal entry and evading immigration officers. The bill would have also gotten tough on employers who hire illegal immigrants, punishing them with steep, increasing fines and barring them from government contracts. to be sure, CIRA was ot a perfect bill, and ultimately it did not attract enough support to keep the legislative process moving forward. Thank you for keeping me appraised of this and other issues athat are impoortant to you. If I can be of any furthe rassistance to you on this or other issues, pleas do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely Ron Wyden US Senator |