WASHINGTON, SEPT. 14, 2006 - "Every year, millions of aliens try to enter our nation illegally," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "Although 1.2 million were apprehended last year, it is likely that nearly twice that number entered our nation unnoticed. The American way is to go through the legal process and wait your turn, and not to sneak across the border. As long as our borders remain porous, our nation is threatened. We must secure our borders."
Stearns, a member of the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus, joined the House today in approving H.R. 6061, the Secure Fence Act. Explained Stearns, "This measure provides for over 700 miles of two-layered reinforced fencing along our southern border. It also mandates the deployment of cameras, ground sensors, and unmanned aerial vehicles to achieve operational control over the entire border."
Added Stearns, "Illegal immigration is not a victimless crime. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, between 40 and 50 percent of wage loss among low-skilled American workers is due to illegal immigration. In addition, nearly 2 million American workers are displaced in their jobs each year and the cost of providing welfare and assistance to these illegal immigrants is over $15 billion a year."
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