Sessions: Americans’ Opposition To Gang Of Eight Legislation Will Grow As Numbers Come To Light‏

May 14, 2013

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Stephen Miller, 202.224.4124

Sessions: Americans’ Opposition To Gang Of Eight Legislation Will Grow As Numbers Come To Light

“After today’s committee meeting there is no remaining dispute that the Gang of Eight’s proposal represents a staggering increase in the future flow of immigration… At a time when a record number of Americans are on welfare and have given up looking for work, our focus should instead be on helping struggling Americans return to the work force…

Americans believe in immigration. But they believe in a reasonable flow of immigration that promotes assimilation and improved economic opportunity for both immigrants and citizens alike. It is perhaps the single issue in which both parties are most out of step with the people.”

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement today regarding the future flow in the Gang of Eight immigration plan:

“Americans believe in immigration. But they believe in a reasonable flow of immigration that promotes assimilation and improved economic opportunity for both immigrants and citizens alike. It is perhaps the single issue in which both parties are most out of step with the people.

After today’s committee meeting there is no remaining dispute that the Gang of Eight’s proposal represents a staggering increase in the future flow of immigration—even as polling shows a majority of Americans believe current levels should be reduced. At a time when a record number of Americans are on welfare and have dropped out of the work force, our focus should instead be on helping struggling Americans return to the work force.

My amendment would have still allowed for a larger immigration increase than we need. It would have effectively capped the number of immigrants at 23 million over 10 years and placed a cap of 10 million on temporary workers—limiting the grants of legal status and work authorization to 33 million over the next decade.

Once the American people become aware of the scope of the increase proposed in this bill, I have no doubt Americans’ opposition to the legislation will rise and that they will call on their lawmakers to do the same.”

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) serves on four Senate committees: Armed Services, Judiciary, Environment and Public Works, and as Ranking Member of the Budget Committee. Visit Sessions online at his website or via YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Note: Please do not reply to this email. For further information, contact Sen. Sessions’ Press Office at (202) 224-4124.