Sen. Jeff Flake Jeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeRepublican former Michigan governor says he's voting for Biden Maybe they just don't like cowboys: The president is successful, some just don't like his style Bush endorsing Biden? Don't hold your breath MORE (R-Ariz.) said Thursday the U.S. is "better off" because of the hard work from migrant workers.

"While I agree that we ought to move in the direction that some other countries have moved in," Flake said during an interview on CNN's "New Day."

"In terms of merit-based visas, the overall number cut — I think this would cut it to about half of our current legal immigration — just isn't the right direction for the economy."

ADVERTISEMENT

Flake said he knows well the value of migrant labor. He said he grew up on a ranch in Arizona.

"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," he said.

"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."

Flake also said he supports robust temporary worker programs so the U.S. can have the labor it needs to benefit its economy.

"I very much agree that we are far better off because of migrant labor," he said.

President Trump on Wednesday teamed up with two conservative GOP senators to roll out new legislation aimed at dramatically curbing legal immigration to the U.S.

Sens. Tom Cotton Tom Bryant CottonRenewed focus on Trump's Supreme Court list after Ginsburg's death Republicans call for DOJ to prosecute Netflix executives for releasing 'Cuties' Loeffler calls for hearing in wake of Netflix's 'Cuties' MORE (R-Ark.) and David Perdue (R-Ga.) have been working with White House officials to revise and expand a bill released earlier this year that would halve the number of people who receive legal permanent residence over a decade.

The president told reporters that the measure "would represent the most significant reform to our immigration system in half a century."

The legislation would move the U.S. to a "merit-based" immigration system and away from the current model, which is largely based on family ties.