WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee responded to a letter signed by nineteen Utah mayors regarding Congress’s progress on immigration reform:
 
“I appreciate the letter I received from several of Utah’s mayors urging action on immigration reform, and I could not agree more.  Our current immigration system serves neither America’s economic or social interests and undermines respect for the rule of law.  That’s why I have sponsored or cosponsored several reforms, both as stand-alone legislation and amendments to the current Senate proposal, that would improve high-skilled immigration, address agricultural and seasonal workers, and create new incentives for tourism - many of which enjoy bipartisan support.  
 
“I firmly believe that we can achieve real comprehensive reform without having to pass another thousand-page bill full of loopholes, carve-outs, and unintended consequences.  In fact, the only way to guarantee successful reform of the entire system, and ensure we are not repeating the mistakes of the past, is through a series of incremental steps that ensure the foundational pieces – like border security and an effective entry-exit system – are done properly.
 
“A step-by-step approach also allows Congress to move quickly on measures where Republicans and Democrats agree.  Reforms that share bipartisan support should not be held hostage to unavoidably contentious issues.
 
“I look forward to continuing a dialogue with Utah’s state and local leaders on the critical issue of immigration reform.  Progress on this issue is vital to our economy and security.”