House Passes Immigration Reform and Border Security Measure

House Passes Immigration Reform and Border Security Measure

(December 17, 2005)

WASHINGTON - New immigration reform passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Friday is a step toward a more comprehensive and enforceable immigration policy, but more work is still needed, U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis said.

"We are a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants," Inglis said. "It is clear we need comprehensive reform that strikes the balance, because our current system is not working."

The Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act, HR 4437, passed, 239-182.

The bill:

* Tightens border control with more officers, technology and enforcement tools
* Requires employers to check the validity of Social Security numbers and strengthens penalties for employers who fail to comply

"On the road to comprehensive immigration reform, last night's bill is nearer to the starting point than the finish line," Inglis said. "The Senate will have to pass its bill. It will contain differences that will need to be resolved in conference. That process will involve a significant national discussion over the next six months and will include a debate about a guest worker program."

Requiring employers to check the authenticity of Social Security numbers is one of the four action points Inglis developed from his recent SC-4 immigration tour.

The House also voted to end the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, a program that makes 50,000 permanent resident visas available annually to people who meet certain eligibility requirements from countries with low immigration rates to U.S., because of the national security risk and the rampant abuse of fraudulent documents.

The bill also includes an authorization for the construction of a security fence along portions of the U.S.-Mexican border, including lights and cameras to help gain control of problematic areas, while also requiring the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a study on using barriers along the Northern border.

The final bill also includes a unanimously passed amendment that prohibits the Department of Homeland Security, the Attorney General and all courts from granting legal immigration status to anyone until after data bases, criminal records and terrorist watch-lists are checked.

Other highlights of the bill include:

* Requiring the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense to develop a joint strategic plan that will provide the Border Patrol with military support and increased use of DOD surveillance.
* Requiring by October 1, 2006, mandatory detention for all illegal immigrants who are apprehended at U.S. land borders attempting to cross illegally.
* Cracking down on alien gang members and increasing the penalties for aliens re-entering illegally.

During Inglis' immigration tour he developed three guiding principles for immigration reform:

* National security requires an orderly and enforceable system of immigration;
* English is important as our language of common culture and commerce;
* Only citizens should get the benefit of our social programs.

Those guiding principles should lead us to at least four action points Inglis concluded:

* Control and secure our borders;
* Require employers to check social security numbers;
* Develop an effective guest-worker program that does not include amnesty; and
* Increase the quotas for legal immigration while simultaneously decreasing illegal immigration.

http://inglis.house.gov/news.asp?content=sections/news/archive/12-17-05