The idea of a life free from all forms of oppression, and the ability to pursue prosperity appeals to most people. This is why so many people long to come to America. They are simply looking for liberty and the opportunity for prosperity.
America has long been a nation of immigrants. However, illegal immigrants are putting a great deal of pressure on our education, health care and social service systems. Providing these services to illegal immigrants provides them with an unjust incentive to come here illegally. The costs for these services are placed squarely on the backs of the American citizens and legal immigrants.
On the nightly television shows the talking heads will argue about border security and fences. The truth is that these physical security measures are only deterrents. If we want to improve our immigration process we need to modify our overall approach.
As your U.S. Representative I would propose legislation to do the following:
- Remove individual economic incentives for illegal aliens.
- Do not provide access to social services funded by U.S. taxpayers
- End the practice of granting automatic U.S. citizenship to babies born in the U.S. of illegal parents.
- Remove incentives for businesses to hire illegal immigrants.
- Levy significant fines on businesses, which are knowingly hiring illegals.
- Revise the work permit process.
- Make the process more efficient to obtain work permits.
- Seal the borders.
- Physical walls/fences.
- Electronic fences.
- National Guard Troops.
- Auxiliary forces and volunteers who observe and report.
There is no question that we have the ability to secure our borders. Many of the processes we will need have already been developed. For example, the E-verify1 system has been in place and has proven to be very reliable with regard to helping employers ensure that they hire only persons with legal immigration status. The real question is whether or not we as a nation have the will to do what is necessary to improve our border security and immigration policy.
- U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services,. E-Verify, http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/