Not one of us would condone what happened to Kate Steinle in San Francisco. but H.R. 3009 is simply the wrong approach. I agree with the Major Cities Chiefs Association that the best way to reduce crime in their cities is to gain the communitys trust and cooperation. I also believe that the majority of immigrants in this country are hardworking. lawabiding residents. and comprehensive immigration reform would allow these lawabiding individuals to come out of the shadows and get right with the law. Such legislative reform would enable Immigration and Customs Enforcement to focus its limited resources on deporting the worst elements. while ensuring that our entire community. citizens and immigrants alike. are protected from harm. Instead of considering this commonsense solution. the majoritymost of themhave repeatedly voted to deport DREAMers. to deport the parents of United States citizens. and to deport vulnerable children from fleeing persecution. violence. and trafficking. Now. the majority. in the form of H.R. 3009. asks us to override the public safety mission of State and local enforcement agencies to increase deportations. I strenuously urge my colleagues to oppose this dangerous legislation. Madam Speaker.
Identified stereotypes
The majority of immigrants are hardworking and law-abiding.