Issue Position: Immigration

Issue Position

A nation without borders is not a nation. We must protect our borders.

America is also a nation of laws and everyone should be here legally.

America began as a nation of immigrants. My parents were first generation immigrants from Italy. Our lives, economy and history have been enriched by immigration. We must continue to have a robust and attractive program of legal immigration, and fix the convoluted, broken visa process.

America is the only country in the world where people are literally `dying´ to get in. At the core of being an American should be a thorough understanding of American exceptionalism. The Obama administration has apologized to the world for this very important philosophy, so it´s critical to understand its importance. We are not defined by place or ethnic heritage, but by the collective understanding that we are "endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." It is precisely for these rights, freedoms and opportunities that risk-seeking immigrants have been drawn to our shores for four centuries. Not only is it essential that every immigrant learn about this exceptional heritage, it is imperative that every native-born American understand it.

THE DILEMMA:

There is no `comprehensive´ plan. President Bush couldn´t pass one during six years with a Republican Congress and President Obama couldn´t pass one with a Democratic Congress. Immigration reform may be outlined as a complete proposal, but the steps taken will have to be scrutinized and passed on its own merits.

No path to citizenship can be created that allows those who have broken the law to receive precedence over those who have patiently waited to become residents and citizens via the legal process.

The goal of legality must be reconciled with the reality that there are millions of immigrants here who are outside the law, some with long family and community ties. A system must be established that recognizes legality but no citizenship, repatriation in a dignified way, and quickly sends home those who have committed criminal and other destructive acts.

SOLUTIONS:

Control the border. It is a national security imperative.

Update the Visa program. With all our technological capabilities, everyone deserves a system that works.

Bring in the `best brains´ in the world. Why is Congress setting rigid caps on the number of highly-skilled foreigners who would add to our economy? What are they afraid of?

Upgrade the guest worker program. The current government-run management is cumbersome for employers and workers, and completely inflexible to the labor demands of the American economy, and prone to fraud and counterfeiting. Use a sophisticated manager of anti-fraud systems, such as American Express , Visa or Mastercard to manage.

We need a path to legality and not citizenship for the millions who have been here for decades. Certain standards must be met -- proficiency in English, criminal background checks, employment. Access to entitlement programs is not an option.

Deportation of criminals and gang members should be fast and efficient. End the "catch and release" of dangerous criminals back into society, because the current system is so cumbersome. Fix it! Their removal from the country should be expedited.

Everyone must learn American history -- new citizens and the young. The relentless efforts of the left to eliminate American history, and our tradition of exceptionalism, from our schools has weakened the fabric and vitality of our society.

English will spoken here! English is the official language of America.

Those non-citizens who choose to serve in the military should have the opportunity to obtain legal residency/citizenship.

After the guest worker program and the "path to legality" is established, anyone breaking the law should face very severe penalties. Anyone facilitating illegal entry should face even greater penalties. Enforce the laws and illegal immigration will end.

Embracing the rule of law ensure a fair and equitable system. Only then can we truly enjoy the cultural, economic and social contributions of future visitors and immigrants to our country.

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