In Spanish, Kaine speaks in Senate on immigration bill

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia showed off his bilingual chops this afternoon, giving a 14-minute Senate floor speech entirely in Spanish in favor of a proposed immigration bill.

 “I think it is appropriate that I spend a few minutes explaining the bill in Spanish, a language that has been spoken in this country since Spanish missionaries founded St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565,” said Kaine, who became fluent in the language as a young man while a missionary in Honduras. “Spanish is also spoken by almost 40 million Americans who have a lot at stake in the outcome of this debate.”

Kaine and his Senate colleague from Virginia, Mark Warner, have said they support the comprehensive bill, which includes a provision to allow millions of people illegally living in the United States to take steps toward citizenship.

 “I understand that some doubt remains as to whether or not this bill will fix our broken immigration system,” Kaine said during his floor address. “While not perfect - I can confidently stand here today and say this bill will do more for border security, more to improve our current backlog, more to strengthen our employment verification system, and more to put measures in place to deal with the future flow of immigrants – compared to any other immigration bill in history.”

The 867-page bill, which may be voted on in the Senate this month, also includes new visa programs for high-tech and low-skilled workers, more investment in border security, and a requirement that employers use a government E-Verify program to confirm workers’ legal status.

Its centerpiece is a provision that would allow anyone living in the U.S. illegally to obtain “registered provisional immigrant status” if they meet certain conditions, including not being convicted of any felony or more than two misdemeanors. After 10 years, that person could seek a green card - and lawful permanent residency - by paying a fine and meeting other requirements.

Numerous amendments are expected to be introduced and considered before a final vote.

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