Speech #1090121887

Mr. Speaker. I rise today as a strong supporter of effective immigration reform and with a sense of urgency that Congress must act decisively to secure our borders and control illegal immigration. Every day we put off sending the President border security legislation simply allows more opportunity for illegal immigrants to break our laws and cross our borders. America must not continue to be a foster home for those who deliberately break the law. Rather. we must be a Nation that respects law and encourages safe and legal immigration. The burden of illegal immigration is increasing daily for American citizens as hospitals and schools are filled with illegal immigrants who cannot pay for their education or their medical expenses. Indeed. illegal immigration is not a victimless crime. and as long as our Nation continues to turn a blind eye. illegal immigrants have all the incentives in the world to risk their lives crossing our border. As the Senate deliberates their approach to reform. I believe we in the House need to continue to emphasize border security first and foremost. our opposition to amnesty. and support for a national guest worker program that treats those seeking jobs here as exactly that. guests not citizens. I] 1015