Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson on Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson on Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Washington, D.C. - America is and always will be a home for those willing to invest the fruits of their labor into a life filled with promise for themselves and their families. Even as a Nation of immigrants, we are reluctant to deal with illegal immigration out of concern of being wrongly accused of prejudice or having ethnic biases. However, the overriding issue is not that we are a Nation of immigrants, but that we are primarily a Nation of laws.
I admit that our current immigration system is broken and we have to find practical but fair solutions. In my view, illegal and legal immigration are two very distinct issues. Illegal immigration is a significant national problem and we need to discuss all the avenues available to address the people who cross our borders unlawfully. In Dallas, we know first hand how our systems of education, public safety and basic health care are significantly impacted by individuals who illegally enter Texas. As our communities continue to absorb the costs of these services, it is becoming more and more difficult to sustain the monetary burden. The drain to our public services cannot go on indefinitely.
In contrast, legal immigrants are overwhelmingly law-abiding and hardworking people who contribute to our economy and our society. We should deal with the real problem of illegal immigration without retreating from America's historic commitment to legal immigration. I welcome any measure that would support meaningful, pragmatic, and comprehensive immigration reform without endangering our national security. I voted against the House immigration bill because we can and must improve our efforts to protect our borders but cannot focus exclusively on enforcement.
I support comprehensive immigration reform that is based on:
Providing our Border Patrol agents with all the resources to facilitate the identification and prevention of terrorists and dangerous criminals entering our borders;
Requesting the international co-operation of our neighbors to solve the problem of illegal immigration;
Enforcing laws that are both strict and fair and are outlined in American immigration policy;
Implementing harsh penalties for those who exploit undocumented workers;
Reformation of the family-based immigration system to significantly reduce the wait period for families who currently wait many years before being reunited;
Creating a path to earned citizenship for those who are working hard, paying taxes, respecting the laws, and are willing to adhere to the high standards for becoming a citizen.
I welcome dialogue that attempts to remedy the situation with wisdom and compassion. Rest assured that I understand the urgency behind immigration reform but I will not make my decisions from a knee jerk reaction to pressure or fear. Because of the immense power instilled in our Congress, we must proceed with wisdom and make careful strategic decisions based on substantive information as opposed to empty rhetoric. There is comprehensive reform currently under consideration and I will weigh the potential consequences before making a decision that will directly impact the residents of the Thirtieth District, as well as, every American living in the United States.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx30_johnson/041206.html