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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi to President: ‘Where Have You Been the Last Five Years on Border Security and Immigration?’
Washington D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement responding to President Bush’s remarks this morning that he finally plans to get around to enforcing laws against employers who hire illegal immigrants and exploit workers:
"The American people and Democrats strongly support enforcing current laws against employers who hire illegal immigrants and exploit them. After five years of unparalleled neglect, the President’s assertion today that he finally plans to get around to enforcing immigration laws is almost laughable.
"Mr. President, where have you been the last five years while your Administration failed to secure the border and enforce immigration laws?’
"Rather than addressing the President and their party’s failure on border security and immigration, House Republicans today are holding the first of several field hearings on an issue on which they do not have a single accomplishment.
"Democrats propose a New Direction on immigration. We believe it is long past time to focus on tough laws, actually implement them, hold the Administration accountable for enforcing them, and pass comprehensive immigration reform."
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Immigration Facts
Republicans’ Enforcement Failures – Border enforcement and immigration enforcement have fallen drastically under the Bush Administration and the Republican Congress. In 1999, the United States initiated fines against 417 companies for hiring illegal immigrants. In 2004, the Bush Administration issued fine notices to only three companies.
Democrats’ Enforcement Efforts – Democrats have long called for strong border security, effective law enforcement, and for comprehensive immigration reform. Democrats have proposed fully implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations, and seven times over the last four and a half years, have offered amendments to increase resources.
- If these Democratic amendments had been adopted, there would be 6,600 more Border Patrol agents, 14,000 more detention beds, and 2,700 more immigration agents than now exist. Each time, these efforts have been rejected by House Republicans.
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“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
