For generations, millions of immigrants have come to our country, learned our language and gone through established legal means to attain citizenship. This was not an easy process for them or their families. Some have waited over 17 years to say the Oath of Citizenship and become American citizens. 

When I read the words that new Americans pledge, it is clear to me that these immigrants never came to America and struggled through the citizenship process to become temporary Americans. They came here despite great hardships and they spent days and nights working and learning so that they could take this oath and have a fair shot at the American Dream. Today our towns and cities are dotted with their businesses, their farms, and their homes. Their children and grandchildren are our teachers, our police officers, our soldiers, and our neighbors. 

President Bush has proposed an immigration plan that would, among other things, permit an estimated 8 - 12 million illegal immigrants already in the United States to apply for the right to work legally in the country for a three-year period of time. Under this plan, the Federal Government would offer temporary worker status to undocumented aliens currently employed in the United States and to those in foreign countries who have been offered employment in the U.S.  These workers would pay a one-time fee to register in the program and would be expected to return home after their period of work expires. After satisfying these minimal work requirements, temporary workers could be eligible for permanent residency and citizenship for themselves and their spouses and children. 

The President is right that America needs a change when it comes to immigration. But our most pressing problem is not the need for a new immigration policy; it is the need to enforce our current immigration laws. Today, as I write, there are an estimated 8 – 12 million aliens who have broken our immigration laws and illegally entered the United States. This is a three or four fold increase from only a decade ago. 

The President's plan will only exacerbate this problem by providing a further incentive for illegal aliens to enter our country. It will undermine our legal legitimacy, encourage new waves of illegal immigrants, and place further burden on public assistance and entitlement programs at a time when many states are trying to recover economically. Most importantly, however, it could threaten the security of our nation. We must ask ourselves: what will be more difficult, hunting down terrorists who have entered our country illegally and are now embedded in our communities, or stopping those individuals before they set foot in our nation?

It is clear that we need to increase funding for improved immigration databases and tracking systems. We need to close immigration loopholes and staff our borders, as well as our interior, with well-trained personnel to identify and combat illegal immigration. 

Enforcing our current laws will protect American wages, improve American working conditions, reduce the overall illegal population, and reduce the number of crimes committed by illegal aliens. It will send the message that we are a nation of laws, and a nation of consequences. It will tell the world that our first priority is defending America’s borders and enforcing our laws, not accommodating those who break them. And most importantly, it will send the message, that our loyalty as a country is to those that have made it great – to those who legitimately worked their way into our country because they share our core belief that entry into the United States is not a right, but a privilege.

::  Q&A - Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage  ::

Keeping up-to-date with the latest changes to Medicare can be quite a task. Having elderly parents myself, I understand the need to know how the new Medicare Prescription Drug Law will affect you and your loved ones.  

Late last year, the President signed into law the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. This new law preserves and strengthens the current Medicare program, adds important new coverage for prescriptions and preventive benefits, and provides extra help to people with low incomes. 

What if I am happy with my current prescription drug coverage?

This program is voluntary. You can choose to stay with the coverage you have now, or, if the program is beneficial to you, enroll in new options.

Who can get a Medicare-approved drug discount card?

Almost everyone with Medicare can choose to join a Medicare-approved drug discount card. It doesn’t matter whether you have Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B), a Medigap policy, a Medicare managed care plan, or another kind of Medicare health plan. The only people who can’t enroll in a Medicare-approved drug discount card are those who have outpatient drug coverage through Medicaid.

Card sponsors are allowed to start enrolling people with Medicare as early as May 2004. If discount cards are available and companies are enrolling people in your area, you can join anytime after that. Medicare will be providing more information about how to enroll in a Medicare-approved drug discount card program this spring.

How much will I save on my medicines if I join a Medicare-approved drug discount card?

Savings are estimated to be 10-25% on many drugs. Savings will vary and you might not save on every medicine you need.

I have Medicare and a Medigap policy. Can I get a Medicare-approved drug discount card, and how will it affect my Medigap coverage?

Yes. You can choose to enroll in a Medicare-approved drug discount card even if you have a Medigap policy. You can keep both the Medicare-approved drug discount card and your Medigap policy. The discounts and Medigap coverage will work together, and your Medigap coverage won’t be affected.

When does Medicare begin paying for my prescription drug costs? How does it work?

Prescription Drug Benefits will be added to Medicare in 2006. All Medicare beneficiaries will be able to enroll in plans that cover prescription drugs. Plans might vary, but in general, this is how they will work:

Some prescription drug plans may have additional options to help you pay out-of pocket costs. Extra help will be available for people with low incomes and limited assets. 

To learn more, please visit the "Spotlight On" section of my website.