Chairman. as citizens of the United States. we have always taken pride in the fact that we are a nation of laws and not of men. When any law is ignored or intentionally and openly violated. it undermines respect for this concept of a government of laws. No area of Federal law has been more flagrantly violated than our immigration laws. As a result. almost every community in this Nation has felt the impact of these violations. The increased costs of indigent care in our hospitals and emergency rooms. and the rise in property taxes to pay for education costs and social benefits are but a few of the costs associated with the violations of our immigration laws. At a time when we are struggling to provide health care. education. and social services to our own citizens. we cannot justify the depletion of our tax dollars for those who are illegally in our country. The public is correct in demanding that we act to stop these abuses. In my congressional district. Dalton and Whitfield County. GA have acted to form the first joint localFederal task force on illegal immigration. But it is our Job to act on this legislation. since the enforcement of immigration laws is the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government. I rise to support this bill. Our current system is broken and needs to be fixed. The double magnets of jobs and social benefits are drawing illegal immigrants at unprecedented levels. We must not continue to reward those who break our laws. To do so cheapens our citizenship. fosters disrespect for our laws. and undermines our system of government. It is time to pass meaningful immigration reform. I urge Members to support H.R. 2202.
Keywords matched
illegal immigrants illegal immigration immigration