Speech #1090098825

Mr. Chairman. I rise in strong support of H.R. 4437. the Border Security. Antiterterrorism. and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. Mr. Chairman. our Nation has lost control of its borders. which has resulted in a sharp increase in illegal immigration and has left us vulnerable to infiltration by terrorists and criminals. Estimates indicate that there are currently more than 10 million illegal aliens already here. and that population continues to grow by an estimated half million additional aliens each year. Large majorities of Americans support efforts to restore the security of our Nations borders and to assure accountability of those who illegally enter the United States. America is a compassionate Nation that welcomes legal immigrants from all corners of the world. But it is also a Nation of laws. These concepts are not mutually exclusive. and H.R. 4437 reflects this. This legislation. which I introduced with Homeland Security Committee Chairman KING. will diminish the lure of higherwage employment that drives illegal entry into the United States while enhancing border security. This legislation will reestablish respect for our laws by holding violators accountable. including human traffickers. employers who hire illegal aliens. and alien gang members who terrorize communities throughout the country. I am pleased that this bill incorporates vital border security provisions from legislation reported by the Committee on Homeland Security and congratulate Chairman KING for his committees important role in drafting this component of the bill. H.R. 4437 will deliver on the unkept promise of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 by providing employers with a reliable method of determining whether their employees are eligible to work. The bill expands on the premise of Representative CALVERTS legislation. H.R. 19. to build upon a successful pilot program that currently enables employers to verify the employment eligibility of their workers.