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Sam Johnson: U.S. Congressman, Third District of Texas

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Illegal Immigration

Illegal Immigration

"If you are here legally, you ought to be rewarded. If you are here illegally, you ought to be deported." Congressman Sam Johnson

Illegal immigration is one of the most serious issues facing Texas, and yet, unfortunately, the extremes on either side of this issue in Congress are using it as a pawn for political gain. Everyday Congress fails to act on illegal immigration, our nation suffers: our porous borders issue a direct invitation to terrorists seeking to take American lives.

I believe being an American is a privilege, not a right. If you get and line and wait your turn to become a citizen, I say great. I’ve attended American citizenship ceremonies and they’re some of my most rewarding memories from my time in service. However, I have zero tolerance for those who break the rules and demand special treatment.

If you get and line and wait your turn to become a citizen, I say great. I’ve attended American citizenship ceremonies and they’re some of my most rewarding memories from my time in service. However, I have zero tolerance for those who break the rules and demand special treatment.

I support an "enforcement first" approach. I am strongly opposed to both illegal immigration and a repeat of the 1986 amnesty. Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently supported efforts to tighten border security, enforce and strengthen existing immigration laws, bolster worksite enforcement measures, and require the federal government to cover the costs illegal immigration inflicts on Texas.

Illegal immigration poses a serious threat to national security and exacerbates problems for hospitals, schools, and law enforcement agencies. We are a free nation, governed by the rule of law. We must not send the message to our nation and the world that there are no consequences for breaking our laws. This is America. Actions have consequences.

Please know that I support the follow pieces of pending legislation:

• H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act, which would designate English as the official language of the U.S. government;

• H.R. 140, the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011, which would clarify those classes of individuals born in the United States who are nationals and citizens of the United States at birth; and

• H.R. 100, the CLEAR Act of 2011, which would allow state and local law enforcement personnel the authority to investigate, apprehend or transfer illegal immigrants in the U.S. to federal custody.