October 30, 2006

GRAVES SPEAKS AT IMMIGRATION GATHERING

LIBERTY – U.S. Congressman Sam Graves spoke at the Kansas City Candlelight Vigil to Save the American Worker from Guest Worker Amnesty tonight. The assembly was organized by the Federation for American Immigration Reform.

“Illegal immigration has become a large problem in this county,” said Congressman Graves. “This is why we are taking action in Congress to secure our borders.”

Graves noted to the crowd three important bills the U.S. House of Representatives passed last month; the Community Protection Act, the Immigration Law Enforcement Act, and the Border Tunnel Prevention Act.

“These three bills can make an immediate impact in securing our borders and securing our nation,” said Congressman Graves. “Through increased enforcement efforts along our borders, we have seen a sizeable decrease in the number of illegal immigrants crossing our borders over the past several months, but there is more work to be done. Too many illegal immigrants are able to cross our borders and too many criminals are able to exploit our immigration laws. By passing these bills, Congress is taking the next important step in ensuring that our nation and its borders are secure.”

Joining Graves behind the podium was Professor Kris Kobach from the University of Missouri Kansas City Law School and senior counsel for the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a representative from the Missouri Minutemen; Joyce Mucci, Chair of the Mid-America Immigration Reform Coalition; and Susan Tully, National Field Director for the Federation for American Immigration Reform.

“Immigration has helped make America a great nation, but we must make certain every person immigrating to the U.S. comes in legally,” said Graves.

Graves is a third-term Congressman representing northwest and central Missouri. He is a Deputy Whip, a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Chairman of the Small Business Sub-Committee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture and Technology.