Posted on 06/17/2007 10:54:58 AM PDT by pissant
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) was joined by Congressman Virgil Goode (R-VA) to announce the introduction of the TRUE Enforcement and Border Security Act. This legislation, which will serve as Congress’ most comprehensive enforcement package to date, requires the construction of a land barrier and necessary infrastructure along America’s international border with Mexico and addresses many of the current inadequacies in the enforcement of our illegal immigration laws.
“The enforcement of our nation’s borders and immigration laws remain one of our greatest domestic priorities,” said Congressman Hunter. “While considerable progress has been made over the last year in the fight against illegal immigration, Congress needs to continue its efforts to secure our border and ensure our legal immigration channels are not utilized by those who seek to illegally enter, reside, and work in the United States. This legislation represents a compilation of several enforcement proposals currently offered in both houses of Congress and implements appropriate and necessary solutions to many of our nation’s immigration problems.
“We need to begin discussing this issue with the intent of reforming what I consider to be one of America’s greatest vulnerabilities. September 11th exposed this vulnerability and demonstrated very clearly that complacency and inaction is just as dangerous as terrorist activity.
“Prior to September 11, 2001, illegal immigration was considered a regional issue without national implications. We quickly learned on that day, however, that this is a national issue, affecting each and every American, not just those living in border communities like San Diego County.
“Unfortunately, illegal aliens continue to funnel directly into many of our local communities and adversely impact our way of life by overwhelming our schools, inundating our healthcare system and, most concerning, threatening our safety. Through better enforcement of our immigration laws and construction of the necessary border infrastructure, we can reverse the trends induced by illegal immigration, while also promoting a homeland that is safer and more secure.”
Specifically, the TRUE Enforcement and Border Security Act would:
Create a border security fence from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico with 25 additional ports of entry. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will incorporate fencing, infrastructure and technology to prevent illegal crossings;
Empower states and local authorities to enforce immigration laws;
Require DHS to fully implement a computerized entry-exit system;
Authorize thousands of new Border Patrol officers, immigration investigators, attorneys, and immigration judges; Increase penalties and prevent employers from hiring illegal aliens through an improved Social Security identification card and verification system; Prevent illegal aliens from claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and collecting Social Security;
Increase penalties for forging immigration and identity documents, and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship, and alien smuggling.
Upon its formal introduction, the TRUE Enforcement and Border Security Act is expected to be referred to the House Judiciary Committee, House Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Resource, and the House Ways and Means Committee.
Well, all the so called conservatives that are refusing to back him are making it certainly more difficult. But alas, he’s in it for the long haul and will be moving up to top tier soon. You can jump on the bandwagon then.
I love how that’s their only argument aginst Hunter: he can’t win.
And what do they base this on? Name recognition polls in June, when the primaries are still several months away.
Whoever wins the GOP nomination will be a household name.
Let me break the news to you: Duncan Donuts can’t win.
No it’s not. He has plenty of time to increase his name recognition from now till primary time. Until then, all conservatives should throw their support behind Hunter.
If only he had a real chance!
How does a Thompson/Hunter ticket sound?
Like it or not, part of presidential campaigns is popularity and name recognition. That’s why Fred is the better choice.
No, its an attempt at a self fulfilling prophecy.
Has anyone read the bill yet?
Wherein each DEMONCRAT CHAIRMAN of each of these commitees shall gut, eviserate,make useless, this bill?
bttt
Because he doesn’t have a $400 hairdo and botax?
/sarc
In reality, he raises the bar of integrity for politicians.
Good answer. Then again he actually looks far more presidential than the others.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.