Immigration
Strict immigration reform is a top priority in Congress. Strengthening and enforcing immigration laws not only serve to help our distressed economy, but to address national security concerns.
We are a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. We must make sure our state law enforcement agencies are given the proper training and tools they need to enforce immigration laws, and we must strengthen penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. We must also ensure the federal government does not usurp much needed state-level reforms, and I support HR 3842 to ensure they cannot.
We must also ensure illegal immigrants are not taking advantage of federal programs, and I have cosponsored legislation to ensure those who entered our nation illegally cannot receive Social Security benefits or the Refundable Child Tax Credit. I believe in promoting patriotic assimilation by making English the official language of government, and have cosponsored legislation to do just that.
In our multi-cultural society everyone, immigrants and native-born alike, must embrace and respect our laws. We are a nation of immigrants, and I am proud of the contributions, both culturally and economically, immigrants have made to our great country. It is in this spirit that I will work to pass meaningful reform in a way that joins our diverse cultures under one great nation, not in a way that divides us by playing on our fears and insecurities.