Sen. Lee: Immigration reform will give 'special benefits to illegal immigrants'

Sen. Lee: Immigration reform will give 'special benefits to illegal immigrants'


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SALT LAKE CITY — Leading Democrat and Republican senators announced Monday a bipartisan measure to address immigration reform legislation. The bipartisan measure, however, was opposed by Sen. Mike Lee, who said he does not agree with the plan's path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

The measure, which was crafted by a group of eight senators, including Lee, would provide a path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people who are in the country illegally, increase border security and allow temporary workers to stay. The measure included a provision to crack down on employers that hire illegal immigrants.

Although Lee had been a part of crafting the framework of the measure, he said he could not agree with the path to citizenship.

"We all support enhanced border security, stronger visa enforcement, effective employment verification measures, and humane treatment of those lacking legal status," Lee said in a statement. "I believe the overwhelming majority of Congress could work together to enact significant and lasting reforms, particularly to strengthen border security and fix our legal immigration system."

Lee said he supports the group's efforts and their end goal, but could not sign off on the plan.

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"These guidelines contemplate a policy that will grant special benefits to illegal immigrants based on their unlawful presence in the country," Lee added. "Reforms to our complex and dysfunctional immigration system should not in any way favor those who came here illegally over the millions of applicants who seek to come here lawfully."

Lee has worked to address immigration reform in the past, such as a plan that would give foreign real estate investors residency, but has maintained a 2010 campaign promise that he would not support any legislation that allows for the "amnesty" of illegal immigrants.

In the past, Lee has opposed the Dream Act, which would grant children of illegal immigrants legal citizenship if they met certain requirements, such as graduating high school and attending a higher education institution for approximately two years.

Despite his opposition to the measure, Lee said he hopes to work with members of both parties to address immigration reform.

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Josh Furlong

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