Speech #1100042647

Madam Speaker. yesterday I introduced H. Res. 351. which offers a straightforward. common sense approach toward deterring illegal immigration. opposing the flawed policy of amnesty. and restoring the rule of law in our country by calling on Federal authorities to strengthen and vigorously enforce all existing immigration laws. The simple truth is that until we enforce the Federal immigration laws already on the books. it is irresponsible for Congress to consider any legislation that would grant amnesty to the estimated 1220 million illegal aliens currently residing in the United States. The policy of granting amnesty is a proven failure in our country. The Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986. which granted amnesty to EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS. Vol. 153. Pt. 8 3 million illegal aliens. did nothing to stem the tide of illegal aliens crossing our borders. but rather contributed to the explosion of illegal immigration our nation faces today. Additionally. granting amnesty to those who have illegally crossed our borders is fiscally irresponsible and would place heavy financial burdens on American taxpayers and Federal social programs alike. According to the Heritage Foundation. current amnesty proposals being debated in Congress would result in the largest expansion of the welfare state in over 35 years and could eventually cost American taxpayers an additional $30 billion per year. The failure ot the Federal govemnment to enforce existing immigration laws has put the integrity of our immigration system and the sovereignty of our great nation at risk. Years of lax enforcement has led to a massive influx of aliens illegally crossing our borders without proper identification. thus creating a strain on the economy. law enforcement at all levels. and public safety in communities across the country. Many cities across the country are actually encouraging illegal immigration by providing sanctuary to those who have broken United States law by illegally crossing our borders. Police departments in these sanctuary cities are actually forbidden from reporting immigration violations to Federal authorities. creating grave national security loopholes. I introduced H. Res. 351 because I believe that the enforcement and strengthening of existing immigration laws. the elimination of sanctuary policies and increased cooperation between Federal. State. and local law enforcement officials are all necessary steps in reestablishing the rule of law in our country. and providing a significant deterrent to illegal immigration. I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution which is in both the economic and national security interests of the United States.