Dear Mr. Me:
Thanks for your message in support of cracking down on illegal immigration and securing our nation's borders. I appreciate hearing from you and share your concerns.
The President recently reached a deal on immigration reform with key senators, including Senators Kennedy and McCain. I have not had a chance to review the deal in detail, but based on what I've read so far, I am opposed to it. As I've said repeatedly, I am against blanket amnesty and guest worker programs. Both of these appear to be present in the deal the President negotiated with several senators.
By contrast, the House immigration reform legislation I voted for in December 2005 did not contain either. Instead, the House bill was focused solely on improving border security, sanctioning employers who hire illegal workers, and making it easier to deport those who are here illegally.
It is unclear what, if any, immigration legislation the House of Representatives will consider this year. However, should the deal the senators cut with President Bush come up for consideration in the House, I will vote against it.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with me. Please keep in touch.
That’s a good reply. Wish more of our Republican pols shared his sentiments.