U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after a bipartisan group of Senators released an outline of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013:
"I applaud my colleagues in the Senate who worked together to address our nation's broken immigration system. The outline released today is a start for debate, and I look forward to reviewing the legislation in its entirety. Successful reform will include a visa system that meets the needs of our economy, a plan that ensures security along our borders, and a tough but fair path to earned citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented individuals in our country. As a lead proponent of the DREAM Act, I am pleased that the outline includes a special path for students. DREAMers contribute so much to this country. They want to be doctors, scientists, and engineers; many of them also want to serve and defend our country in uniform. I will work with my colleagues to ensure that this legislation works for our country and for families across New Mexico."