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Schumer Opposes Provision in Immigration Bill

By Jill Morrison

Washington, DC – Lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee continue to debate immigration reform legislation this week. Democratic New York Senator Charles Schumer is calling some provisions in the bill unrealistic.

Schumer says the immigration debate is complicated for a New York Senator.

"On the one hand immigrants have fueled our city and our state ever since the English came in and displaced the Dutch," Schumer said. "On the other hand, we're the epicenter of 9/11."

But Schumer spoke out against a proposed amendment that would force humanitarian organizations to get certified by the Department of Homeland Security if they want to help illegal immigrants. The provision was introduced as an alternative to an exception or exemption for all charity and religious organizations who offer aid. Proponents say certification is necessary so terrorist rings don't pose as humanitarians. Schumer says the idea goes too far.

"To go through this elaborate mechanism of certifying proper religious groups, non-religious groups," Schumer said. "That's a nightmare."

Schumer says the committee should instead specifically say terrorists masquerading as humanitarian organizations are not protected.