Amy Klobuchar - Immigration
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
In June of 2007, Senator Klobuchar released a press statement noting her support for comprehensive immigration reform. She notes that the system is broken.
Senator Amy Klobuchar Makes Statement After Voting to Allow Immigration Bill and Amendments to Proceed to Debate
June 28, 2007
(Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar made the following statement today after voting for the Senate immigration bill and its amendments to move forward:
“The current system is broken. We must continue to work to find a bipartisan solution that is tough, fair, and practical. Comprehensive immigration reform needs to include order at the border, including fencing and increased patrols; better enforcement of our immigration laws, including cracking down on employers who hire illegal workers; and the prospect of earned citizenship for those who obey our laws and who are willing to learn English, pay their taxes, and pay a substantial fine.”
Official Website Statements
Implement comprehensive immigration reform. The current system is broken. We must continue to work to find a bipartisan solution that is tough, fair, and practical. Comprehensive immigration reform needs to include order at the border, including fencing and increased patrols, better enforcement of our immigration laws (including cracking down on employers who hire illegal workers) and offering earned citizenship for those who obey our laws and who are willing to learn English, pay their taxes, and pay a substantial fine. I worked hard last year to enact the Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007, which would have achieved these immigration goals. We couldn't get it through the Senate - despite the support of the President - but I will continue fighting for it in the year ahead.
Voting Record
Funding for Sanctuary Cities
Sactuary cities are those that allow illegal immigrants to reside within their borders with the understanding that the local government with not seek to determine immigration status or enforce the federal mandates concerning immigration. Senator Vitter put forth an amendment to create a reserve fund to hold money that would normally go to these sanctuary cities. On March 13, 2008, a motion was put forth to "table" or remove the amendment from consideration. Virtually all Democrats, and about 1/4 of the Republicans in office agreed to remove the amendment from consideration in a 58-40 vote. Amy Klobuchar voted to table the amendment, and therefore supported the sanctuary city policy.
Amy Klobuchar voted to table the amendment, and therefore supported the sanctuary city policy.
The DREAM Act
When the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill failed to pass, several members of congress attempted to achieve the same goal by passing the individual pieces of legislation that comprised the Reform Package. The DREAM Act was one such piece of legislation that grants citizenship to those that came to this country prior to the age of 16. Although the Bill got some support from both Democrats and Republicans, it too failed to pass the Senate in a 52-44 vote. Amy Klobuchar voted in favor of the DREAM Act.
Amy Klobuchar voted in favor of the DREAM Act.
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
In June of 2007, Congress attempted to pass the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007. The bill iteself was a series of smaller pieces of legislation which established the requisites for people living in the US illegally to obtain amnesty. The bill also sought to grant other rights to illegal immigrants prior to and after they become citizens. Despite a massive Public Relations campaign to promote the legislation, the bill got no Republican support and roughly 2/3 of the support of the Democrats. The bill was rejected in the Senate in a 61-34 vote. Amy Klobuchar voted in favor of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill.
Amy Klobuchar voted in favor of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill.
Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation
Stronger Economy, Stronger Borders Act of 2009 - Cosponsor
Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress should enact, and the President should sign, legislation to strengthen the economy, recognize the heritage of the United States as a nation of immigrants, and amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by: (1) providing more effective border and employment enforcement; (2) preventing illegal immigration; and (3) reforming and rationalizing avenues for legal immigration.