HOMELAND SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, our nation's immigration policies required a vast overhaul and restructuring to assure our national security. Preventing future attacks on our country remains a top priority, and increasing the security of our borders is an integral component in winning the War on Terrorism. In December 2005, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. This bill has many provisions to secure our borders and prevent American employers from hiring illegal immigrants.

On May 25, 2006, the Senate passed S. 2611, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006. The Senate bill would take many steps in securing our borders, including building a 370-mile, triple layer fence along the border of the U.S. and Mexico. In addition, it would create stiff penalties for employers who hire illegal citizens. Providing gainful employment to American citizens, rather than illegal citizens, is in the best interests of our nation. While our country has certainly benefited from immigrants contributing to our cultural landscape, I believe that providing jobs for Americans is our first priority.

Deporting all illegal immigrants in the country is not the answer to this problem, neither is the path to citizenship laid out in the Senate's version of the bill. We must secure our borders, and provide a workable solution for illegal immigrants already in the country. However, we cannot provide more incentives for foreigners to come here illegally.

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