Issue Position: Border Security

Issue Position

Our nation's immigration laws must be respected by all people living in the United States. We must secure our borders to ensure illegal immigrants do not enter this country, and we must not reward people who enter illegally. This is a matter of national security and is one of the most important issues facing our country.

I toured the U.S.-Mexico border a few years back and met with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents who shared some startling statistics: In 2005, CBP agents estimated between 500,000 and 800,000 people illegally crossed the border, and at least ten percent were hardened criminals.

I will continue to support efforts that strengthen our borders and national security. The protection and security of Americans should always be our first priority. At the same time, I will not support any bill that contains amnesty provisions. Past amnesties have not reduced illegal immigration; rather, they have increased illegal immigration. Amnesty rewards those who broke our laws, thereby encouraging others to do the same. Our immigration policies should discourage lawbreakers by sending the message that illegal entry into the United States will not be rewarded.

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