WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Nussle today voted to combat illegal immigration by supporting three border security bills receiving broad bipartisan support in the U.S. House.  These bills expand security at our nation's borders, enhance enforcement of our immigration laws, and increase penalties for individuals who enter our country illegally. 

"With these measures we are taking the necessary steps to secure our borders and protect Iowans from terrorists and drug traffickers entering our country illegally," Nussle said.  "By enforcing our existing immigration laws, expanding border security, and preventing criminals from entering our country, Iowans will be safer and our communities more secure." 

In an effort to further crack down on illegal immigration, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved the Border Tunnel Prevention Act, the Community Protection Act, and the Immigration Law Enforcement Act. 

The Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2006 (H.R. 4830) prohibits the construction or financing of a tunnel or passageway between the United States and another country.  The bill imposes strict penalties on criminals who build tunnels to smuggle illegal aliens, goods, controlled substances, weapons of mass destruction, or terrorists across the border and into the United States.

The Community Protection Act of 2006 (H.R. 6094) keeps dangerous criminals off our streets by expanding the authority of law enforcement officials to detain illegal aliens who commit crimes in the United States.  In addition, this legislation allows for the detention and deportation of aliens who are members of known criminal gangs. 

The Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 (H.R. 6095) clarifies and reaffirms the authority of State and local law enforcement to assist in the enforcement of immigration laws.  The bill ends “catch and release” of illegal aliens and authorizes additional attorneys to prosecute alien smugglers.

Nussle has consistently supported legislation to enhance border security.  Recently, the U.S. House approved the Secure Fence Act to authorize the construction of a border security fence along the U.S. southern border.  Last December, the U.S. House approved the bipartisan Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act.  That legislation focused on improving border security, cracking down on hiring of illegal immigrants and establishing stiff, new penalties for illegal immigrants who commit crimes in the United States. 

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