Archived Story

Baucus, Tester oppose immigration bill
Posted on June 4

WASHINGTON - Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester Monday announced their opposition to the immigration bill currently before the Senate, saying the legislation is flawed and doesn’t go far enough to crack down on illegal immigration.

Baucus and Tester said that the bill aimed at reducing the number of illegal immigrants entering the country makes it too easy for an illegal immigrant to get a work visa, does not go far enough in strengthening the country’s borders and does not have tough enough enforcement measures.

“I cannot support a bill that provides amnesty for illegal immigrants,” Baucus said. “Anyone who wants to live in this country must follow the proper process. They must go to the back of the line, learn English, take citizenship classes and pay back taxes.”

“We’re not even enforcing the laws we already have on the books, so there’s no way I can support a new law that does nothing to make us safer and gives 12 million people living here illegally a free pass,” Tester added.

Votes on amendments are expected throughout the week. A final vote on the entire immigration bill is expected within the next week, Baucus and Tester said.

Click here to listen to Sen. Baucus' comment on the immigration bill.


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