Almost from the first boat that landed in America, immigration has been cause for debate. There have been bitter chapters in this debate-- chapters of discrimination and prejudice against those who arrived-- and celebrated chapters when immigrants came and gave life to a country in its infancy. The immigration laws of this country must be tough but fair. Immigration reform is an urgent priority for our nation because our current immigration system is broken. It harms our national security and our economy, and treats hard-working immigrants, especially immigrant children, unfairly. I have worked to ensure that U.S. laws are tough on terrorism without unfairly targeting our immigrant population. I oppose amnesty for undocumented immigrants. I believe that people who work hard, contribute to our economy, and respect the law should have the opportunity to earn legal status.

Durbin, Grassley Introduce Legislation to Reform H-1B Visa Program - 4/23/2009

Durbin Introduces Bipartisan Dream Act to Help Students Earn a Path to Legal Residency - 3/26/2009

Durbin and Grassley Zero in on H-1B Visa Data - 4/1/2008

FLOOR STATEMENT: DREAM Act as an amendment to the Defense authorization bill - 7/13/2007

FLOOR STATEMENT: Comprehensive Immigration Reform debate, DREAM Act - 6/7/2007

FLOOR STATEMENT: H-1B Visa Reform - 6/5/2007

FLOOR STATEMENT: Sunset of Guest Worker Program - 5/24/2007

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Chicago Sun-Times - A Win-Win Idea Loses in Senate - 10/25/2007

Chicago Tribune - A Recruiter's Dream - 10/14/2007

State Journal-Register - Durbin: Immigration Reform Needs To Be Right This Time - 6/4/2007