U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) Tuesday released the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s decision to begin debate on immigration reform:

“I voted to begin debate on immigration reform because it’s an opportunity to secure our border and fix a broken system. Millions here illegally have *de facto amnesty. We are excluding scientists and workers who could help grow our economy. It is the constitutional responsibility of the president and Congress to write the rules for a legal immigration system and to enforce them. This was the first of many votes, and after examining this legislation and every amendment closely, I will be voting to secure our border, end de facto amnesty and create an effective immigration system that respects the rule of law.”

*defacto: de fac·to [dee fak-toh, dey] noun

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U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander