Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tn.) on Tuesday released the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s decision to begin debate on immigration reform:
“I voted to begin debate on immigration reform because it’s an opportunity to secure our border and fix a broken system. Millions here illegally have de facto amnesty. We are excluding scientists and workers who could help grow our economy. It is the constitutional responsibility of the president and Congress to write the rules for a legal immigration system and to enforce them.
This was the first of many votes, and after examining this legislation and every amendment closely, I will be voting to secure our border, end de facto amnesty and create an effective immigration system that respects the rule of law.”