Speech #1090098655

Speaker. I rise today in support of this rule as well as the underlying bill. This legislation is absolutely long overdue. and it is time we enact some very pragmatic and useful methods to prevent noncitizens from moving freely back and forth across our borders. Quite frankly. the American people have lost their sense of humor when it comes to illegal immigration. They are demanding action. and it is no secret that our borders are porous. Every day. countless individuals are entering our country illegally and advantaging themselves of government services at taxpayer expense. and they take the jobs that otherwise could go to American citizens as well as those immigrants who came here legally. who abided by our laws. It is time that we put these practices to an end. It is time that we as Americans take more responsibility in the fight against illegal immigration. One of the most important provisions in this bill ends the ludicrous practice of catch and release with detained illegal aliens. Upon passage of this bill. anyone caught in this country illegally will be detained until further judicial action can be taken. It is unfathomable that this has not been the procedure since day one. but I am pleased that we are finally going to put an end to that. Another key feature of this bill is the increased cooperation between Federal authorities and local law enforcement. This bill will reimburse sheriffs on the southern border for immigration enforcement and treat any individuals in their custody as Federal detainees. I hope this is the beginning and not the end of immigration reform. And let us keep in mind that while we are having this national debate today. that because our laws currently require us to count noncitizens for the purposes of the apportionment of congressional seats. that a number of Members of this House represent districts where fully 30 to 40 percent of their constituents are illegal aliens or noncitizens. So perversely. illegal aliens will be well represented in the U.S. Congress on the vote today to secure our border and to crack down on illegal aliens. and it is my hope that the issue of congressional representation for American citizens can also be dealt with as we move forward in this process so the full voice of the American people can be heard and that American citizens do not continue to have their vote disenfranchised. I support the rule and the underlying bill.