Speech #1040191481

I rise in strong support of the TateHastingsRoukema amendmentan amendment which will finally bring force to our Nations immigration laws. The United States has always been a beacon of hope for millions of people worldwide. And although Immigration laws may not be popular. they are nevertheless vital to Americas efforts to control our Nations borders and protect our national interest for all citizens. Unfortunately. every year. millions of illegal aliens intentionally break these laws. According to the U.S. Border Patrol. the estimated number of illegal aliens in our State of Washington has jumped from 40.000 to 100.000 In the past decade. and many of these illegal immigrants have settled in my agricultural district. In addition. many aliens not only enter the United States illegally. they thumb their nose at the system by forging documents and falsifying Social Security numbers to obtain employment and social welfare benefits. Yet. even when these individuals are apprehended and returned to their native country. many return again and again without additional penalty. As a result. additional burdens are placed on our local law enforcement officials. jails. and local and State governments. Illegal immigrants cost taxpayers more than $13.4 billion in 1992draining the budgets of State and local governments. Whats more. illegal immigrants make up more than 25 percent of the Federal prison population. and over 450.000 aliens are criminals on probation or parole. Breaking the law also undermines the incentive of all immigrants to enter the United States legally. This amendment is fair. and Is simply common sense. Our immigration policies were enacted for a reason. and must be enforced. If individuals want to risk breaking our immigration laws. then they ought to face the consequences If they are caught. It is no longer enough to give illegal aliens a free trip back to their homeland with the hope that they will not return. We must also send potential illegal aliens a clear warning: "one strike. and youre out." In other words. if you break the law. you forfeit the privilege that millions of Americans have struggled to achieve. I strongly urge the passage of this Important. commonsense amendment.