IMMIGRATION

 

Border security is important, but so is compassion.  I wish to participate in a sensible discussion about how, when, and why to allow immigration.

Economic migrants are line cutting, which is unfair to those who follow the rules.  And they put a severe strain on our society.  Increased costs of education, health care, and public safety are imposed unfairly on taxpayers.  People who illegally invade are being rewarded.  This creates an incentive for more illegal border crossing.

We should not tolerate violence.  I support the recent “Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act.”

Chinese men of military age and foreigners on terrorist watch lists are among the “got aways.” Too much fentanyl enters our country. Too many criminals cross the border. Unaccompanied children and women are at risk from sex traffickers. Millions have entered who lack vaccination against diseases like measles and polio. Many arrive without language or work skills and become public charges. And all these situations are getting worse.

I support H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, which would restart construction of the border wall, deploy technology, increase the number of Border Patrol agents, strengthen laws to protect unaccompanied children, end catch and release, and streamline the asylum process.

We should end sanctuary cities, stop taxpayer-funded benefits for illegals, and restore the “Remain-in-Mexico” policy.

I support “The Laken Riley Act.” to require a detainer for illegal immigrants charged with local theft or burglary.

We need to allow more legal entry of both skilled and unskilled immigrants.  They are the scientific, construction and agricultural workers of the future. But they must come legally.

“Dreamers” deserve a path to citizenship. And preventing family separations should be a goal.

Congress can fix the system, but only if certain “progressives” stop blocking positive reforms.