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  For Immediate Release  
  Contact: Phil Bloomer  
  Phone: (217) 403-4690  
May 1, 2006
 
U.S. Rep. Johnson's Statement on Immigration Reform
 

 

 

Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson issued the following statement on immigration reform in response to protests at his Champaign office over his vote in favor of the Border Security Act:

“On this subject, I make no apologies for my vote last December on the Border Security Act. We must protect our borders. We must stem the flow of illegal aliens first and foremost before we begin the task of addressing other elements of immigration reform. The House has done its job and now it is up to the Senate to act.

“People across the District are greatly disturbed about this. I encounter the issue at every stop, every meeting, every day, it seems. Citizens are losing their jobs, our social service systems are overburdened, people attempting citizenship through legal channels are especially infuriated. Above all, citizens are angry that people from another country presume a right to this privilege of American citizenship.

“Our country simply cannot absorb a grant of amnesty to everybody over some indefinite amount of time, which is what some appear to advocate. That does a disservice to this country as well as to those who wish to be part of it. 

"Some have tried to portray my colleagues and myself as anti-immigration. That is false. That I am anti- illegal immigration there can be no doubt. But it would not be too simplistic to say that being anti-immigration is tantamount to being anti-American.

"The beauty and strength of our country lies in the dynamic diversity of talents and energies of many populations of immigrants, including Hispanics from many countries who have become leaders in every field of endeavor. The country was settled by people with strong incentives to make a better life, like many of those who still clamor for entrance across our borders. That pluralism is something to be embraced. But left unfettered, with open borders like some advocate, our country will collapse upon itself. The point needs to be underscored that some 12 million people broke the law to come here and that needs our attention first and foremost.

“Apart from border security, any comprehensive immigration reform must include demanding accountability and sanctions from illegal aliens already in this country, plus accountability from industries that have exploited illegal aliens, all in the interests of ensuring that the cycle does not continue. There are several versions of legislation afloat that address those problems. I will weigh carefully the proposals that come to the House for a vote. Whatever version I support must embrace the basic values of America – fairness, to our own citizens first and illegals second; opportunity; compassion; and above all, the rule of law.

“As to the Dream Act, this legislation may have merit and at some point I may be able to support it. I sympathize with the plight of young people being punished because their parents came here illegally. But I frankly believe this initiative may get bogged down in the broader reform process and our first priority, as I've said before, is Border Security. I welcome input on the subject and hope that a productive dialogue can continue.”

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