Speech #1020069692

Recently. modest but important steps have been taken by the Senate that reaffirms our commitment to this issue. Several weeks ago. the Senate adopted an amendment that I introduced to the comprehensive crime bill. which creates a new civil fine imposed on any individual who induces or coerces an alien to commit an aggravated felony. The money collected from this fine is to be deposited in a criminal alien identification and removal fund. and used to assist the INS and the States identify and deport alien felons. and to fund any of the 20 additional immigration judge positions created under last years immigration bill. Another step was taken when the Senate passed the Treasury. Postal appropriations bill. This legislation includes $10 million for 100 additional Border Patrol agents. Mr. President. I believe the best method to combat alien felons in our country is to have effective enforcement at the border. After all. it is much better to prevent an alien felon from entering our Nation than to respond to his violent acts on our streets. And our priority of deporting alien felons in this country will mean nothing unless we have the capability to keep them from coming back in. Though I was pleased to support this funding increase. I strongly believe that much more needs to be done in this area. and I intend to work with my colleagues and with the administration to insure that our borders are secure. The amendment that we have before us today also represents an important step. This amendment will target $1.5 million for 10 of the 20 additional immigration judges that were called for in last years Immigration Act. With this additional support. we can move closer to reaching our goal. one that will result in alien felons taking their first steps outside of prison into a waiting vehicle. its destination beyond the borders of our Nation. This amendment will be of great importance to our efforts. especially if my addition to the crime bill is enacted into law.