Upton Hedges on Immigration

Congressman Fred Upton continues to pander to advocates of amnesty, but without making specific commitments.  It is possible that he will change his tune if immigration patriots apply enough pressure.

Congressman Fred Upton says he's awaiting House version of immigration reform

DOWAGIAC, MI – Congressman Fred Upton, R-St.Joseph, said he looks forward to supporting a bipartisan bill that would allow for comprehensive immigration reform, but it most likely will not be the one U.S. senators passed last week.

“We are waiting to see what the House Judiciary committee will do,” Upton said after touring The Business Center of Southwestern Michigan in Dowagiac on Monday. “It’s possible they may move some elements before the end of July. Most often, the House and Senate bills usually differ on every issue. When that happens, we have a conference to iron out the differences to get a final package and I expect that to happen.”

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Upton vowed to support bipartisan legislation fixing the broken immigration system in front of more than 150 local people, mostly Hispanics, in Kalamazoo in January.

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Upton did not specify whether he would support a pathway to citizenship, saying it was still unclear what direction the House version of the bill would take. He noted that he is not a member of the House Judiciary Committee.

Upton commended the Senate for passing a strong bill. He also said a House bill that moved through the Homeland Security Committee on a unanimous vote back in May potentially could be used in House revisions, in terms of border security.

Like many of his GOP colleagues, Upton said border security would remain a key focus of his concern.

“A workable immigration system must begin by establishing control of our own borders and preventing illegal crossings,” Upton said. “Our local business people have told me they need a system that gives them peace of mind along with a reliable, legal workforce.”

Upton said he expects the House to take up immigration reform by the end of the month or in early September and he looks forward to voting on that bill.