Letter to Senator William Frist regarding immigration reform

City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today urged Senate Majority Leader William Frist, to embrace provisions in the bill that was recently approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and exclude punitive provisions included in H.R. 4437.

In his letter, Comptroller Thompson stated: "I am deeply troubled by the House of Representatives' recent passage of H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. As you know, H.R. 4437 would make an immigrant's illegal presence in the United States a federal crime. It also criminalizes the act of assisting individuals who are here illegally, thereby jeopardizing the freedom and livelihoods of health care workers, social service staff, clergy and others."

He added: "I question the wisdom of these highly punitive and exclusionary provisions and believe they are repugnant to our country's closely held notions of inclusiveness and opportunity. As New York City 's Chief Financial Officer, I am also highly sensitive to the beneficial economic effects of a balanced immigration policy."

"A well-reasoned path to citizenship is consistent with a longstanding tradition that has sustained us as a nation and made us a beacon to others around the globe."

"As the Senate considers this critical issue, it is my hope that you will work to ensure that inappropriate provisions, such as those contained in H.R. 4437, are not incorporated into any bill passed by the Senate."