Immigration

Immigration reform should be a priority for Congress, and for good reason. Our immigration
system is badly broken and needs to be fixed at a fundamental level. Right now an estimated 10
million illegal immigrants are living in the United States, a number that only continues to rise. Not
only does this reflect a clear violation of our nation’s immigration laws, but it poses a serious threat
to U.S. security. While I believe that legal immigration is in the long-term interest of the United
States, there are severe problems posed by our current immigration system which must be
addressed.

As Congress considers comprehensive reform of our nation’s immigration system, I am deeply
concerned over proposals that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens in the United States. Giving
amnesty to those who have broken our nation’s immigration laws would undermine the policies that
were established to regulate our borders and provide an orderly process of evaluating applications
for citizenship. Such action would send a terrible message to all those who have complied with
immigration laws and are still waiting approval. In addition, by rewarding those who violate United
States law, we jeopardize the security and safety of our nation and greatly diminish our ability to
protect our own borders.

I will continue working to find the best ways to enforce our borders and set new guidelines for
immigration procedures. I have cosponsored legislation to gives law enforcement officers power to
detain criminals who are also illegal aliens, prohibits states from issuing driver’s licenses to illegal
aliens, expedite and fund the construction of a fence along our southern border, and prohibit access
to Social Security by illegal aliens.

I believe that these are important ways of combating—and ultimately discouraging—blatant
disregard for U.S. immigration laws. I will continue doing all that is within my power to see that
immigration remains at the top of Congress’s priorities until these problems are addressed. I
welcome your thoughts as we look for better ways to keep the government accountable to this
nation’s Constitution and laws.


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