Issue Position: Latino Issues

Issue Position

Issue Position: Latino Issues

Supporting the Latino Community

Senator Murray is committed to meeting the needs of Washington State's Latino community. She has worked on issues including: healthcare, education and farmworker housing.

Immigration

Senator Murray supports comprehensive immigration reform. She outlined her priorities in a Senate floor speech on March 30, 2006.

A partial transcript of her remarks follow:

"The Senate is now engaged in a spirited debate about reforming our immigration policy. Let's remember that this isn't just about immigration. It's about the type of country we want to be, what we stand for, and what type of future we all want to build. It's easy to get caught up in the specifics of one policy or another, but I would encourage my colleagues to not lose sight of the bigger picture because this debate touches nearly every aspect of American life - from our economy to our security, and from our classrooms to our workplaces. I know there's a lot of pressure to "do something" about immigration especially in an election year. But if we do the wrong thing, it will have a painful affect on millions of families, on our economy, and on our future for generations to come. Let's take the time to get it right.

Perhaps the biggest mistake we could make is to think that addressing enforcement alone will create the changes we want to see. Enforcement is important, but enforcement without investments in our people and communities will do little good.

I believe that comprehensive immigration reform should do seven things.

* It should improve enforcement

* It should treat the Northern border fairly.

* It should include a guest worker plan, which includes a path to citizenship.

* It should provide a path forward so that people who are here have an opportunity to become citizens and realize the American Dream.

* It should protect the rights of victims and refugees.

* It should not turn into criminals those compassionate souls who care for their wounds, teach their children or feed their families.

* And finally, it should provide the resources to help families rise above their circumstances through education and training.

Throughout our history, the United States has been a beacon of hope for people throughout the world. That light shines as bright today as it ever has. As we work here to reform our immigration policy, let's make sure our actions reflect our security, our economy, and the opportunity that America offers generations of immigrants. Let's take the time to get this right. Our future depends on it."

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