From: frank_lautenberg@lautenberg.senate.gov [mailto:frank_lautenberg@lautenberg.senate.gov]
Sent: Saturday, October 21, 2006 10:55 AM
To: allari58@yahoo.com
Subject: Responding to your message

Dr. Aref Assaf, Presdeint

 American Arab Forum

42 East Main Street

Denville, NJ

Dear Dr. Aref Assaf :

Thank you for contacting me about our nation's immigration laws . I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

The safety, security, and economic stability of our country are paramount concerns , and can be threatened if immigration is not controlled carefully. Recently, the Senate passed the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006" (S. 2611). The bill authorizes significantly increased border security and requires employers to verify employees' identities through a Federal Government system. This bill does not grant amnesty, but instead creates a process of earned legalization for illegal immigrants who have been living and working in the U.S. Applicants must wait six years to apply for this status adjustment, pay fines and past-due taxes, demonstrate English proficiency, and pass a background check. They must begin this process at the "back of the line , " behind those who have applied to enter this country legally.

I supported this legislation because I believe we need a comprehensive approach to immigration reform-one that addresses border security as well as the status of currently undocumented immigrants and the future flow of guest workers . Thank you again for contacting me.