Washington, DC, May 17, 2007 -

Congressman John Carter (R, Round Rock), House Republican Conference Secretary, released the following statement today following the announcement of a deal reached in the United States Senate for a comprehensive illegal immigration reform bill:

“The Senate’s compromise would reward 12 million immigrants who entered our country illegally with citizenship and benefits granted only to legal U.S. residents. As an elected District Judge for 20 years, I believe in the rule of law and have fought for tough enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws. I will not support this plan or any other that grants amnesty to anyone who broke the law to enter the United States illegally.

“I am also concerned because this legislation does not meet workforce needs; it requires union wages for guest workers, which means there will still be incentive for businesses to hire illegal workers who work for lower wages. This legislation also allows temporary workers to bring their families into the country.”

Congressman Carter has long called for comprehensive immigration reform that secures America’s borders. He has introduced legislation this Congress to address illegal immigration issues, including the Social Security Card Fortification Act and the Social Security Benefits Protection Act (H.R. 332). If the Senate proposal passes the full Senate, it will then move to the House of Representatives for consideration.