For House Democratic Leadership, Amnesty for Illegal Aliens Takes Precedence Over Restoring Government Operations
(Washington, DC October 2, 2013) — The following statement was issued by Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), regarding today’s introduction of legislation granting amnesty to illegal aliens by leading House Democrats:
“While much of the federal government is shut down and much work is necessary by both parties to resolve the budget impasse, leading House Democrats, including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, have inexplicably chosen today to introduce a massive amnesty package for illegal aliens.
“Rewarding people who break our laws sends the wrong message at any time, but amidst a crisis that threatens the basic functions of our government, and which could undermine our already fragile economy, today’s introduction of an amnesty bill by House Democrats demonstrates enormous insensitivity to the real priorities of the American people.
“It is clear that for Minority Leader Pelosi, and many in her caucus, narrow political interests continue to take precedence over the most basic interests of the American people. To the millions of Americans who are inconvenienced, or worse, because Congress cannot come to an agreement on the budget, today’s move by the Democratic leadership reaffirms the public’s dismal view of Washington politics.
“Producing a budget to keep our government operating is Congress’s most basic constitutional responsibility. At the very least, Americans should expect Congress to be devoting its attention to ending the budget crisis and ensuring that vital immigration enforcement functions are fully funded, instead of working on legislation to reward immigration lawbreakers.”