Immigration

The United States is a nation of immigrants and was founded on ideals that honor this tradition.  The feedback I hear from my neighbors in south-central Michigan and other Americans is nearly unanimous: our immigration system is broken.  I believe it is dire need of reform, and I propose we begin with:

Securing Our Borders:
Failing to secure our borders and ports of entry poses a security risk to our citizens and ignores the rule of law.  As a Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I am monitoring our border security measures and our transportation screening procedures.  In September 2011, I cosponsored H.R. 3011, the “Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act,” which will reauthorize the TSA with fundamental screening improvements and privacy safeguards.  Also, in May 2012, I helped pass H.R. 1299, the “Secure Our Borders Act,” which will result in a comprehensive strategy for gaining operational control of our land and maritime borders. We must continue to improve border security and I support an increase in the number of U.S. Border Patrol Agents.

Enforcing the Law:
With over 11 million illegal aliens currently living in the United States, it is apparent that we need to do more to uphold our laws.  I believe we must empower state and local law enforcement and equip Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce federal immigration law.  Sanctuary cities should be discouraged, the fraudulent use of identification documents by illegal aliens must be curtailed, and blanket amnesty must be taken off the table.

Cutting the Red-Tape for Legal Immigration:
Immigrants who want to join our citizenry should be encouraged and assisted in doing so the same way millions of immigrants have legally done so for generations.  We need to create a work permit program that eliminates bureaucratic red-tape and meets the evolving needs of our agricultural, educational, and technological sectors, as well as our landscaping, construction and tourist industries. In November 2011, I voted for H.R. 3012, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act, which would create a more equitable system for high-skilled immigrant workers.

RELATED ITEMS

09/22/2011 - Co-Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 3011, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act
03/29/2011 - Co-Sponsored Legislation: H.R. 1299, Secure Borders Act