Issue Position: Immigration

Issue Position

Keeping our borders secure is a primary responsibility of the federal government -- a responsibility that has not been upheld.

While we are a nation of immigrants, we are also a nation of laws, and our laws must be enforced. To that end, I oppose awarding federal benefits to those that have come here illegally.

Instead I support bolstering border security, implementing a mandatory E-Verify system for employers, allowing for the expedited removal of illegal aliens with a criminal record, and cutting funding for "sanctuary cities." We must also address our nation's legal immigration and ensure that the system for legal entry is safe, secure, and efficient.

Senator Fischer's record on immigration:

Opposed the Flawed Comprehensive Immigration Legislation: Senator Fischer opposed the comprehensive immigration reform bill for the following reasons:

The bill failed to include a biometric check system at all points of entry or exit
Determination of operational control is left to the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security.
There is no congressional approval required to determine if the border is fully secure.
It failed to require full operational control of the southern border before initiating the legalization process.
It allocated $46.3 billion in federal funding (with taxpayers directly responsible for $38 billion) without first requiring a strategic plan for the implementation of a border security plan.
It contained a loophole that could allow illegal immigrants who have attained Registered Provisional Immigrant status to be eligible for means-tested taxpayer benefits, such as food stamps and Medicaid.

Introduced an Amendment to Actually Strengthen Border Security: Senator Fischer introduced an amendment to the comprehensive immigration bill to verifiably secure the border without simply throwing money at a complicated problem. Her plan would:

Achieve and maintain operational control of the southern border within 5 years of the date of enactment
Achieve and maintain full situational awareness of the southern border within 5 years of the date of enactment
Implement a biometric entry and exit system at all land, air, and sea ports of entry
Implement a mandatory employment verification system within 5 years of the date of enactment

Cosponsored the English Language Unity Act of 2013: This bill would declare English as the official language of the United States. Nebraskans understand the importance of communicating in a standard language. Nearly a century ago, the Nebraska constitution adopted English as the state's official language. Requiring the use of English doesn't mean new immigrants should abandon their heritage -- our diversity is integral to our nation's strength. But a standard language fosters a sense of community and national pride and cuts costs associated with requiring government services in multiple languages.

Cosponsored the Child Tax Credit Integrity Preservation Act: This bill would require photo identification in order to receive a child tax credit. It would prevent illegal aliens from claiming the Child Tax Credit that is intended for American citizens and legal residents by closing a loophole with the Internal Revenue System. This would save $4.2 billion each year.

Cosponsored S.299: This bill which would prohibit federal funds from being awarded to "sanctuary cities." Sanctuary cities encourage and provide safe harbor for illegal aliens despite directly violating Federal law.

Cosponsored the Accountability through Electronic Verification Act of 2013: This bill would permanently authorize and require employers to use the E-Verify program in determining the eligibility of employees to work in the United States.

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