Madam Speaker. last night the President spoke to the American people about his plan for establishing a secure border and a sound immigration policy. The highlight of President Bushs plans is to send up to 6.000 National Guard troops to assist Border Patrol agents. and I applaud the President for taking steps necessary to try and secure the borders. For far too long this Nation has had a policy of benign neglect. one that has left our system of immigration fundamentally broken. National Guard troops are an excellent shortterm solution. However. this action must not be part of a real effort to enforce our laws and must not be coupled with a thinly veiled attempt to grant amnesty. The American people want assurances that our sovereignty and security are being respected. America is a nation of immigrants. It is built upon the dreams and sacrifices of those who came to share in our common goals of liberty. fairness and adherence to law. It is in celebration of these principles and in honor of those who came before us that we should act in respect for law and in respect for liberty.
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immigrants Border Patrol immigration