Issue Position: Immigration Reform

Issue Position

I have long stated that we must secure our borders because, until we do that, we will never fully solve our immigration crisis. In addition to gaining full control of our borders, which I view as the basic requirement in any immigration reform measure, I favor mandatory verification of fraud-proof documents for all employees.

I am opposed to amnesty, but I remain mindful that industries, whether large or small, must have a seasonal and unseasonal workforce that American labor is not filling. This workforce, of course, includes those who labor in industries such as agriculture, landscaping, fisheries, meat processing, hospitality, restaurants, and construction. For many years, this nation has not had a temporary visa program capable of keeping pace with the escalating demand for workers, and, therefore, such a program must be created. That said, we must be able to track where the workers go, how long they stay, and whether they leave the U.S. in accordance with the terms of their visa. Tracking technology exists now. Before making these jobs available for foreign workers, however, U.S. workers must get first choice.

Any immigration bill that reaches the full House for consideration will likely also contain provisions for increasing the number of visas available for highly skilled and educated foreign workers. Many skilled and educated American professionals are finding work in industries that previously sought foreign skilled workers, thus reducing the number of foreign workers who are sought each year.

While we may decide to accommodate the need for foreign workers who possess exceptional skills and knowledge because they help improve our lives and the lives of our children, we simply cannot afford to offer permanent legal status to people who are here illegally. We cannot reward those who entered our country illegally by giving them a head start above those who are playing by the rules and trying to become American citizens through proper and legal channels.

In the 112th Congress, immigration reform is a top priority of the Judiciary committee, on which I serve. The top priorities this Congress are making a workable guest worker program, securing the border, as well as creating an e-Verify program. The committee is promoting all three of these priorities. It is estimated that 300,000 illegal immigrants live in North Carolina, and now is the time for us to promote immigration reform across this country.

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