GOP Sen. Flake: US Should Be Grateful for Migrant Workers

A Republican lawmaker from Arizona said Thursday he is grateful for migrant labor, and the United States should be too.

During an appearance on CNN's "New Day," Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., told host Chris Cuomo he worked on a ranch next to migrant labor growing up and supports actions that would keep illegals in the U.S. if they simply came here for a better life.

"I grew up on a ranch in Snowflake, Ariz.," Flake said. "I grew up working next to migrant labor, and I've always felt that they were making America better, and we were better off because of their hard work.

"And so I've been very supportive of immigration reform that first secures the border . . . but that we have a humane and generous mechanism for those who have crossed the border illegally simply to support their family and haven't committed criminal acts other than crossing the border.

"And then also to have robust temporary worker programs to allow us to have the labor that we need to benefit our economy. I very much agree that we are far better off because of migrant labor."

Flake noted the merit-based immigration system touted by lawmakers this week and which gained support from President Donald Trump would not put the U.S. economy in "the right direction."

• Study: Illegals Cost 6 Times More to Support Than Deport
• Lankford: Debate Necessary on Merit-Based Immigration Plan