Press Releases - Wilson: Congress is Working to Combat Illegal Immigration
Wilson: Congress is Working to Combat Illegal Immigration
WASHINGTON - Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) today issued the following statement upon House passage of border security legislation:
"Following passage of the Secure Fence Act' last week, House Republicans continue to move forward with our promise to secure the borders. The three bills passed today address such critical issues as ending catch and release,' reaffirming the authority of local law enforcement to voluntarily enforce immigration laws, and expediting the deportation of alien criminals and gang members.
"Senate Democrats are finding the Reid-Kennedy amnesty plan is a non-starter with the American public. As a result, they considered the Secure Fence Act' this week, and I encourage my Senate colleagues to quickly approve it and the remaining House border security package.
"House Republicans listened and are acting. Now it's time for the Senate to follow suit."
House border security legislation includes the following:
H.R. 4830, the "Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2006" - Unanimously passed by a vote of 422 - 0, this bill enacts criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly construct or finance the construction of an unauthorized tunnel across a U.S. international border.
H.R. 6094, the "Community Protection Act of 2006" - Overwhelmingly passed by a vote of 328 - 95, this bill ensures that dangerous illegal immigrants who cannot be deported will not be released into society; expedites the removal of alien criminals; and toughens laws regarding detention and deportation of alien gang members.
H.R. 6095, the "Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006" - Passed in the House by a vote of 277 - 140, this bill reaffirms the inherent authority of state and local law enforcement to voluntarily enforce immigration laws; increases the prosecution of alien smugglers by authorizing an increase in the number of attorneys prosecuting alien smuggling cases and establishing uniform guidelines for the prosecution of alien smugglers; and imposes "catch and return" versus "catch and release."
http://joewilson.house.gov/index.cfm?ContentID=342&ParentID=53&SectionID=47&SectionTree=7,53,47&lnk=b&ItemID=341