KEY PLAYER IN IMMIGRATION NEGOTIATIONS VOICES HIS OBJECTIONS TO DEAL Sen. Menendez says he can not sign onto agreement announced today

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a key negotiator in closed door Senate meetings on immigration reform, today voiced his objections to the agreement announced. Menendez said he could not support the limitations in the family reunification program, the temporary nature of the worker program, and the unrealistically high fees that undocumented immigrants would have to pay. “There are certain issues where too much bend would create an impractical and ineffective immigration system,” said Menendez. “Unfortunately, that is what I believe will occur under the agreement announced earlier this afternoon. “I for one cannot settle for something that isn’t responsible, or something that creates a bigger problem than already exists. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be fair, humane, and practical.”

KJ