Sen. Murray Lays Out Priorities for Comprehensive Immigration Reform in Speech on Senate Floor

U.S. Senator Patty Murray delivered a key policy speech on the floor of the Senate that laid out her priorities in the upcoming debate to fix America's broken immigration system. After holding immigration reform meetings across Washington state over the past weeks and years, Senator Murray echoed the needs of Washington state families, businesses, and communities in her speech. Senator Murray also laid out her immigration priorities in an op-ed in the Yakima Herald in May.

"Our history has long been that of a beacon of hope for people throughout the world," Senator Murray said in her speech. "From those who arrived at Ellis Island to start a new life decades ago, to the DREAMers who want to contribute to the country they love today. As we once again take on the very difficult task of reforming our immigration policy, let's make sure our actions reflect our security, our economy, and our future. But let's also never forget the past -- and the fact our nation has long offered generations of immigrants the chance to achieve their dreams."

Senator Murray's priorities include a path to citizenship for aspiring Americans, reform that meets the needs of Washington state's agriculture and high-tech economies, a humane policy that keeps immigrant families together, civil rights protections, and equality for LGBT couples. The speech comes as the Senate begins a three-week long debate on a bipartisan comprehensive immigration bill.