Mr. Speaker. in addition to the economic and political benefits. CAFTAs passage will also improve environmental standards in Central America and decrease the flow of illegal immigrants from the region. Study after study has shown that as economies improve. so do environmental standards. Once people get beyond the basic needs of food and shelter for their families. they can focus on the greater goods of clean air. clean water and conservation. Trade is not a zerosum game. The elimination of tariffs helps increase exports and grow economies. and as the economies of Central America grow. so will their environmental quality. Similarly. illegal immigration stems from the human desire to improve ones economic condition. As a member of the Immigration Reform Caucus. I believe we have a long way to go to improve our border security and stop the flow of illegal immigration. An improving economy in Central America will help achieve this goal. as the increase in job opportunities in the region will encourage more people to remain in their native countries. The empirical data supports the agreement.
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illegal immigrants border security illegal immigration Immigration