There is not much differentiation between a criminal. someone who has broken the law in this country. and those that are lawabiding citizens. Mr. Chairman. my amendment will go after those that intentionally break our laws. our immigration laws. We should not reward them with a temporary visa or an immigrant visa in the future. Our current laws send the wrong message. Mr. Chairman. to wouldbe illegal immigrants that there are no real penalties for breaking our laws. Let me give a couple of examples. In recent meetings as of last year with my local policemen and women in the city of Tacoma out in Washington State. I was shocked and taken aback to discover that a majority of their time investigating narcotics claims is dealing directly with noncitizens of the United States. I was also surprised to realize that the Seattle Police Department spent an inordinate amount of time investigating international organized crime networks in our area. It is no wonder that those who break our laws to enter this country do not think twice many times of breaking our laws once they get here as well.
Identified stereotypes
Illegal immigrants are associated with narcotics and international organized crime.