Speech #1040267313

I compliment the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Smrr] for the work he has done. As a Representative from a State heavily impacted by our Nations immigration policies. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support the immigration in the national interest conference report. The sweeping reforms in H.R. 2202 will stem illegal immigration. secure our borders. and encourage personal responsibility for legal immigrants. While America is a nation of immigrants. its borders must be protected from illegal immigrants. According to INS there are 4.5 million illegal aliens in the United States. By doubling the number of border patrol agents. H.R. 2202 protects legal residents from the social and economic burdens of illegal immigrants. H.R. 2202 improves legal immigration policies to ensure those who sponsor immigrants have the means to support them. If we dont require sponsors to fulfill their financial obligations. taxpayers will continue to pay S26 billion annually for legal immigration. Sponsors must honor their obligations so legal immigrants may become selfreliant. productive residents of the United States rather than dependents of the welfare state. Again. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2202.