Immigration
Immigration reform must be a priority in the 110th Congress. The current immigration crisis that our nation faces is a profound challenge for the entire nation. The growing number of illegal immigrants in this country has created significant homeland security, economic and cultural challenges for our country. In my opinion, if an individual is in the United States illegally, they are breaking the law and should be treated accordingly. Our immigration policy should be designed with this in mind.
I strongly believe that we must gain control of our nation's borders as we seek to reform U.S. immigration policy. Now more than ever, as America faces the threat of terrorism, we must ensure that our nation's borders are secure. Real immigration reform must start with prevention. Prevention starts at the border. If we stop the inflow of illegal immigrants, we can begin to address the problems created by illegal immigrants already here.
As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I have been working with my colleagues to address the problems in our current policy. In the 109th Congress, I cast a strong affirmative vote for H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act. This bill contains measures to provide needed visa reform, get local law enforcement involved in immigration enforcement, implement tougher penalties for alien smuggling and crack down on employers who hire illegal aliens. This is a meaningful piece of legislation that takes significant first steps in strengthening our border security.
I strongly oppose any proposal to grant amnesty to illegal aliens. Amnesty is not a solution. It is merely an invitation for more illegal crossings. Those who choose to break the law must be held accountable for their actions. This includes everyone from the person crossing the border illegally to those who employ them.
Additionally, I believe the United States must secure its borders before it can consider any additional temporary work visa programs.
Immigration reform will protect your schools, your taxes, your emergency rooms, and your communities. This is about homeland security and economic security for our children and grandchildren. America, the land of opportunity, was built on legal immigration. If we do not eliminate illegal immigration, we are insulting those who use the appropriate channels and come here to pursue the American Dream.
Border Patrol Agents
Please click the links below to see what I have been saying about the two border patrol agents who are serving prison sentences for doing their jobs.
We Must First Identify Illegal Immigrants and Secure the Border (Rep. Tom Feeney)
