Immigration Reform Front and Center

Against the backdrop of Arizona’s new immigration law, the Obama Administration and leadership in Congress are now considering moving forward with federal legislation to reform our nation’s immigration system.  Seemingly lost amid this discussion is any focus on the real problems attributable to open borders and inadequate enforcement.

The action taken by Arizona comes as no surprise.  For decades, the Southwest border region has been dominated by illegal immigrants, drug smugglers and other criminals, creating considerable safety and security risks.  Until the federal government moves to effectively secure the border and make enforcement a priority, the problems associated with illegal immigration will only get worse and other states, especially those in close proximity to the border, might eventually take action similar to Arizona.  

The approach favored by Arizona is simple: allow local law enforcement -- under certain circumstances -- to determine the legal status of individuals stopped for other reasons.  In other words, Arizona is doing nothing more than enforcing current immigration policy.  Claims to the contrary are inconsistent with the law’s guidelines and intent.

At the federal level, a tougher approach to illegal immigration is needed and long overdue.  This starts with an integrated security strategy on the border, combining personnel, infrastructure and technology, and better enforcement in the workplace – including stricter penalties for employers that hire illegal immigrants.  It also means removing many of the incentives that encourage such high levels of illegal immigration, which adds to the tax burden of working Americans and unnecessarily strains our economy. 

By taking these steps, security will improve, enforcement will strengthen and, just as importantly, the federal government will demonstrate once and for all that it is serious about upholding the law and protecting our nation’s interests.

Hunter Named to National Security Solutions Group

The failed bomb attempt in New York City, the Christmas Day airline plot and the shooting at Fort Hood collectively underscore the security threat facing our nation.  While combat forces engage our terrorist enemies in Afghanistan and elsewhere away from our shores, America must also stay focused on evolving security challenges here at home.

Understanding this danger, House Republicans have formed a National Security Solutions Group to develop better solutions to today’s security threats.  Congressman Hunter -- one of 17 House lawmakers named to the panel – intends to offer his experience as a Marine combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and promote policies that are consistent with his leadership on the House Armed Services Committee. 

Some of the panel’s priorities are expected to include: missile defense, combat resources for our military men and women, the closure of Guantanamo Bay, intelligence gathering and border security.   

CMS Actuary Reveals Higher Health Care Cost

The Chief Actuary for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Richard Foster, recently indicated that total health care spending will increase by $311 billion as a result of new health care law.  This estimated cost increase is a significant point of concern for Congressman Hunter and other House lawmakers, who argued during the health care debate that this legislation will become more costly over time. 

The CMS analysis also estimates that 14 million Americans will lose current employer-provided benefits while job creators will face $87 billion in penalties.  In light of these revelations, Congressman Hunter was joined by several of his colleagues in calling for the CMS Actuary to appear before the House Education and Labor Committee to explain these findings and their projected impact on our health care system.  A copy of the letter to Committee Chairman George Miller is available here.

Job Fair Reminder

A quick reminder: Congressman Hunter’s next community job fair is scheduled for June 21, 2010, at the Cuyamaca College Student Center in El Cajon.  For more information, please contact the El Cajon office at 619-448-5201.