Speech #990275052

Considering our critical budget deficit. this is most inappropriate. unwise and costly. Mr. Chairman. there can be little doubt that the flood of illegal immigrants into the United States must be curtailed. The financial and ethical effects of illegal immigration are immense. It is my view. however. that this package represents an ineffective attempt to solve the immediate problem. Providing noncitizens with free legal assistance or requiring employers to verify the citizenship of each individual they consider hiring will not curb the flow of individuals that are crossing the borders of our country each day. It is important to remember that the root of the immigration problem lies in the economic situation of Mexico. Poverty and debt in Mexico makes the United States a powerful and very attractive magnet. A true solution to illegal immigration can be achieved only when Mexico finds a means to alleviate its internal problems. In the interim. we must protect our borders by fortifying and enforcing immigration laws. and we must ensure that those guarding our borders have the resources necessary to do this job. I intend to channel my support and efforts toward effective and responsible legislative actions which address the true problem of illegal immigration. I strongly oppose. and I urge my colleagues to oppose. this misguided. burdensome and costly attempt to preserve the sanctity of the U.S. borders.