Press Release

Gutierrez Statement on Senate Passage of Immigration Bill

WASHINGTON—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today released the following statement on the Senate passage of the immigration bill:

"I applaud the Senate for taking the courageous step to pass an immigration bill that moves us another step closer to comprehensive immigration reform.

"Now is the time to work together to deal with an immigration system that is broken and requires comprehensive reform. Tackling the tough issues and addressing the deep feelings surrounding this debate must be done through respectful discussion that will unite and treat everyone with dignity.

"Comprehensive immigration reform must secure our borders, toughen interior enforcement, create a temporary worker program, and provide employers with tamper-resistant identification cards that will help them determine the legal status of their employees.

"I urge the House and Senate conferees to work in good faith to work out the differences in legislation and pass an immigration reform bill that includes the elements of President Bush’s vision for comprehensive immigration reform."