Issue Position: Border Security and Immigration

Issue Position

Our northern and southern borders face a number of challenges every day including undocumented individuals illegally entering the United States to live and work; transnational criminals trying to smuggle in weapons and drugs; extremists who wish to disrupt our daily lives; and human trafficking -- to name a few.

As a life-long Texan and former Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee, I understand the importance of securing our border. I believe it is our responsibility to ensure the Department of Homeland Security has the resources it needs to protect our border.

Border security is not only critical for homeland security, but it's also necessary for continued economic growth.

Our North American neighbors -- Canada and Mexico -- are America's largest export markets, so it is just as important to make sure our border policies enable the legal transportation of goods as it is that they stop the illegal transportation of products and people.

Even with Mexico's increased security efforts, the United States has a lot to do to properly secure our border, and those steps must be taken as part of any immigration reform agreement. I continue to hear the concerns of constituents about this issue and am committed to securing our borders.

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