Speech #1090134951

This is about what is also happening even today. I am reminded of the report of the 9/11 Commission and the studies and investigations we conducted after 9/11 which indicated a consensus that we had to bring down some of the stovepipes that prohibited information sharing in our intelligence community. Essentially this amendment is designed to bring down the stovepipes that have prohibited the Department of Homeland Security from sharing information that would lead to discovery of evidence of massive fraud in our immigration system. I hope that when the amendment is called up. when we have a chance to vote on it. my colleagues will support it. But again. this is not just about history. This is about what is happening today. I have in front of me a news release dated May 19. 2006. from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency entitled "Six People Indicted in MultiState Amnesty Fraud Conspiracy." This is out of Atlanta. GA. which may be of particular interest to the Presiding Officer. Several individualsit looks like six individuals were indicted by a Federal grand jury on May 9. 2006. on charges of conspiracy to encourage and induce aliens to reside unlawfully in the United States and to make false statements in applications presented to the Department of Homeland Security. They were charged in separate counts for making false statements in applications presented to the Department of Homeland Security. and also there were two counts of money laundering. The U.S. attorney in charge described this conspiracy in these words: The six individuals indicted in this conspiracy were involved in a multistate scheme to solicit immigrants who were illegally present in the United States to file fraudulent applications for amnesty with the Department of Homeland Security. The defendants. as part of a money making scheme. allegedly assisted immigrants who did not meet legitimate amnesty program requirements to file applications containing false statements. This officeThe Office of the U.S. Attorneyis committed to vigorous investigation and prosecution of schemes such as this one as part of the Presidents initiative to strengthen enforcement of our Nations immigration laws. The U.S. attorney goes on to say: Not only did these individuals seek to exploit our legal immigration system for personal financial gain. they used their positions as religious leaders to prey upon the immigrant community. That statement was attributed to Ken Smith. special agent in charge of the Office of Immigration and Custom Enforcement. That office is located in Atlanta. He goes on to say: This case highlights the importance of ICEs close partnership with other law enforcement agencies as we seek to dismantle criminal document and benefit fraud networks.