Speech #1040100152

Chairman. I rise in strong support of H.R. 2076. H.R. 2076 provides for a 25percent increase in funding of the Immigration and Naturalization Servicea generous increase in a time of budget cutting. The resources provided in H.R. 2076 will go a long way in assisting INS in securing our borders. Given the size of its mission. INS has been underfunded for many years. I am happy to see that changing. The resources made available in H.R. 2076 support the enforcement provisions in my immigration bill. H.R. 1915. It adds 1.000 additional border patrol agents next yearplus support personneland increases new technology for the Border Patrol and for enforcement initiatives. H.R. 2076 adds to INSs capability to detain and remove deportable aliens. especially criminal aliens. It includes additional detention space. additional investigators and detention and deportation officers. and provides for the expansion of deportation procedures so that criminal aliens can be deported immediately upon release from prisons. Additionally. H.R. 2076 increases the resources available for enforcement of employer sanctions. another important tool in controlling illegal immigration. H.R. 2076 adds additional inspectors so that U.S. ports of entry can run more efficiently and smoothly. facilitating legal entries and prohibiting illegal entries by fraudulent documents. I strongly support H.R. 2076 and urge my colleagues to support it.