Napolitano calls vision for immigration reform 'firm and fair'

February 13, 2013

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told the Senate Judiciary Committee today that immigration reform can't only focus on border security. Deporting the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country wouldn't just be impractical, she said, but runs contrary to American values.

"We must have a way for those who broke the law to pay a penalty, pay their taxes, learn English, and get right with the law, so they can earn their way to citizenship," Napolitano said.

Napolitano calls President Barack Obama's vision for immigration reform firm and fair, saying it would both make it easier for companies to find workers legally and harder for undocumented workers to find jobs. The judiciary committee met today ahead of anticipated legislation on the issue.