Speech #1040267207

A vote dropped off. so we got ahead of ourselves. Mr. Speaker. many months ago the House passed 2202 to reform our Nations broken immigration system. This landmark legislation will tighten our borders. block illegal immigrants from obtaining jobs that should go to those who are in the United States legally. streamline the process for removing illegals. and make illegal immigrants ineligible for most public benefits. All along in this process. the drumbeat from the American people has been very clearits long past time for reform. We have come to understand that reform is not for the faint of heartthat there are tough choices to be made and that there are real human beings on all sides of the immigration process. In the end. I believe we have legislation that is tough but fairlegislation designed to keep the door open for those who want to come to America but are willing to do it via an orderly. legal process. not sneak in the back or side door. H.R. 2202 will add 5.000 new border patrol agents over the next 5 years Yes. 5.000. It will make illegal immigrants ineligible for many public benefits. while still allowing them access to emergency medical care. It also requires future sponsors to take more responsibility for their chargesa prospective change that is a win for immigrants and for American taxpayers alike. reducing the S26 billion annual tab American taxpayers currently pay. H.R. 2202 sets up a 3year voluntary pilot program in five States so employers can use a phone system to verify Social Security numbers of prospective employees. If the pilot is successful. we may finally have a simple and effective way for employers to fulfill their legal responsibility to hire only eligible workers.