U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement today after the Senate voted 68-32 in favor of S.744, the senate bipartisan immigration reform bill:
"Today is a great day in the history of a great nation. We are a step closer to fixing our broken immigration system in a way that meets the needs of our economy, provides a pathway to earned citizenship, and strengthens security at our nation's borders.
"As the son of an immigrant, I'm familiar with the unique promise America represents for families. I know how hard immigrants work, how much they believe in this country, and how much they're willing to give back. By passing immigration reform, we proclaim that the American dream is alive and well-that if you work hard you can get ahead.
"I am especially pleased that young people brought here through no fault of their own by their undocumented parents will be eligible for earned citizenship. DREAMers contribute so much to our communities and represent what is best about our nation: hard work, motivation, and a willingness to serve our country in uniform. This bill harnesses those talents and ingenuity and allows students to gain more education and training, which translates into better and higher-paying jobs. All of these extra wages will circulate through the economy, spurring economic growth and new job creation.
"New Mexico's remarkable spirit is rooted in our diversity, our history, and our culture, which has always been enriched by our immigrant communities and family members. This is the year for our nation to rise to the challenge and achieve accountable immigration reform. New Mexicans are eager for a solution, DREAM Act students deserve a solution, and our economy requires a solution. Este es el año."