Smith: Strengthen Homeland Security By Stopping Illegal Immigration

Smith: Strengthen Homeland Security By Stopping Illegal Immigration
February 9, 2005

Washington, DC - During House debate on the Real ID Act today, Congressman Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) noted that the bill is just one step needed to secure the nation from future terrorist attacks. Smith stated that if the Administration wants to continue to protect the lives of Americans, it should take immediate steps to change policies that have encouraged illegal immigration.

"Passage of the Real ID Act is needed to close obvious loopholes in our homeland defense. It is the first step back on the long road to real homeland security," Smith said. "But we cannot secure our homeland unless we know who is entering our country, why they are here, and how long they stay. There can be no homeland security until illegal entries are stopped."

Smith noted that the Administration should begin this effort by requesting funding for the border enforcement positions that Congress authorized last year.

"The President's budget only requests enough funds for 210 new Border Patrol Agents, even though Congress authorized 2,000 new agents," Smith commented.

Another area that Smith called on the Administration to address is the enforcement of penalties on employers who knowingly hire illegal workers.

"The Administration must start fining employers for hiring illegal immigrants. Last year it didn't fine a single employer," Smith said.

Smith also called on the Administration to change its policy of recognizing consular identification cards issued by other countries.

"These cards are not considered reliable or secure. They simply give terrorists and illegal immigrants another way to remain undetected in the United States," Smith said.

Smith concluded, "The REAL ID Act marks the beginning of an effort to make America safer. I hope the Administration will fully support us in this effort."

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