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U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch tells Utah senators the country must enforce immigration laws while acknowledging immigrant contributions
Summary
U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch addressed the Utah Senate, focusing on immigration enforcement, recent federal resources in Utah and concerns about perceived amnesty in pending federal bills; he also discussed No Child Left Behind funding and defended states’ ability to decline federal money.
U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch spoke to the Utah State Senate in a committee of the whole, saying the nation must balance its history of immigration with enforcement of immigration law. "We're a nation of immigrants, but we're also a nation of laws," Hatch said, and he warned that some federal proposals risk granting what he described as amnesty.
Hatch outlined recent federal resources in Utah, noting the arrival of new ICE agents and a new immigration court in the state, and referenced investments in border fencing and monitoring technologies. He said some high‑tech instrumentation details could not be publicly discussed. Hatch criticized provisions that, in his view, would effectively provide amnesty and recalled his vote on the 1986 Simpson‑Mazzoli immigration act as background to his concerns.
On education, Hatch addressed the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) reauthorization and repeated his long‑standing position that education ought to be handled primarily at state and local levels. He said states could decline federal NCLB funds (and the associated conditions), but he also cautioned that refusing the money could be a costly choice for districts that find the law useful.
Senators followed with a brief question-and-answer period. Senator Dayton thanked Hatch for the update and pressed on constitutional concerns about NCLB; Hatch replied that states have the option to refuse federal funds but noted the practical consequences. Senator Stevenson asked about a proposed bill to allow the state legislature to give formal direction to U.S. senators; Hatch said he welcomed counsel and advice but opposed legislation that would require or direct how U.S. Senators must vote or act.
Hatch closed by thanking senators for their service and offering to continue conversations. The exchange emphasized Hatch’s dual message that federal immigration enforcement should be strengthened while remaining mindful of longstanding immigrant populations, and that reauthorization of federal education law should include adequate funding or states should have the option to decline it.
