Mr. Speaker. these positive economic benefits have broader security implications for the United States. Rising standards of living in the region will assist in resolving an issue that affects all of us. that issue is illegal immigration. Specifically. we can deter illegal immigration by addressing one of its root causes. that being poverty. Mr. Speaker. illegal immigration is a national problem that saps the resources of local law enforcement. overwhelms our medical system. and puts great strains on our schools. With over 10 million illegal immigrants in the United States. the cost to the Federal Government and State governments. as we all know. is enormous. Nearly all illegal immigrants to the United States come in search of work. economic opportunity. a chance to feed their families because they have found limited opportunity at home. In fact. T.J. Bonner. the President of the National Border Patrol Council. estimates that 98 percent of illegal immigrants come to this country for one reason and one reason only. seeking economic opportunity. To stem the tide of illegal immigrants. it stands to reason that we should encourage economic prosperity in the countries that are frequently the source of those illegal immigrants. DRCAFTA gives the Dominican Republic and the Central American countries the muchneeded push towards prosperity that they so strongly desire. It will open markets and opportunity in the region. allow their citizens to purchase more goods for less money. give small businesses reason to expand. help create jobs. and raise the standards of living.
Identified stereotypes
Generalization that 98% of illegal immigrants come to the US for economic opportunity.