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Around water coolers and dinner tables many Americans are engaging in a conversation about the state of our country’s immigration policy. I have heard from many of you and appreciate you offering your thoughtful commentary on this matter. Opinions on the subject are numerous and varied, which is why I believe it is important that we address the facts of this issue. The undisputable fact is that there are over 11 million undocumented illegal immigrants in this country right now, with more entering every day.
As you know, the question of undocumented illegal immigration has been a major issue for this country for over 20 years. In 1986, President Ronald Regan granted citizenship to 3 million illegal aliens living in the United States, but did not close our borders. That problem has now grown four fold, and we must take immediate action.
First and foremost our top priority must be securing our borders. Last year, the US House of Representatives voted to construct a fence, a barrier to prevent human traffickers, drug dealers, gang members and terrorists from slipping into our country. I was proud to stand with my colleagues and vote for the funding and construction of the border fence. A porous border poses a serious threat to our nation’s security and I am disappointed that the current leadership of the House has tangled the necessary funds in red tape and bureaucracy, all the while putting the safety and prosperity of our communities at risk.
As we all know, America is a country of immigrants, and I strongly support those who choose to make a better life within our borders, but only if they do so by the proper and legal channels. Many immigrants who come to the United States do so to leave a country where law and order are virtually non-existent. But what they must realize is that by breaking our laws to enter this country, they threaten the very security they seek here.
The great majority of immigrants in this country are decent, hardworking people who have contributed to our nation’s infrastructure. Coastal South Carolina is dependent on a labor force to sustain our economic lifeblood: our tourism industry. While this labor force is critical, we must require these workers to be documented and legally residing within our communities. I continue to support expanding the temporary guest worker visa program, but have not and will not support an immigration bill that grants amnesty to illegal aliens.
The problem of illegal immigration is not one that will go away without action. A central part of the solution is controlling access to our country and we must build upon the border security legislation that we have already passed. It is my sincere hope that my colleagues in Congress will continue to work to develop a feasible solution that protects the wellbeing of our nation’s economy and security.
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