u.s. congressman Mac Thornberry.com serving the people of the 13th district of texas

Immigration

“One of the most basic responsibilities of any country’s government is to manage immigration in ways that promote the nation’s interests and helps keep it safe.”

I agree with the President that the immigration system is broken and that we should put politics aside on the issue.  I do not agree, however, with his statement that “laws like Arizona's put huge pressures on local law enforcement to enforce rules that ultimately are unenforceable.”  I was also alarmed when the President said he disagrees with those who say immigration shouldn't be dealt with until the borders are secured.

The President’s Recent Immigration Policy

Recently the President announced that his Administration will bypass Congress to make changes to the nation's immigration policy.

No one can deny that deciding what to do with children who were brought to this country illegally is a difficult problem.  But it is wrong for the President to decide on his own which of our laws he will enforce and which laws he will not enforce.

Even in an election year, our country is governed by the rule of law, not the arbitrary decisions of anyone -- including the President.  By taking this action, he has made it more difficult for us to find a sensible agreement to our immigration issues, and he has once again tried to divide the country for his political gain.

A Nation of Immigrants and Laws

America is a nation of immigrants, and we also are a nation of laws.  The safety of our nation is dependent upon us doing a better job of controlling who and what crosses our borders.  Unfortunately, the situation at our borders has deteriorated to a dangerous level with much violence. 

I believe that we should have a way for people to come to this country legally in order to work.  But I have real concerns if we reward those who have violated our laws at the expense of those who have waited patiently in their home country and tried to follow our laws.

Common Sense Solutions

Our challenge is to deal in a fair, common sense, and compassionate way with the many issues raised by our border security and immigration policies.  A comprehensive solution must address at least these four issues:

1. Border security and enforcement;
2. The government process for coming here legally and the government process for employers to check on an applicant’s status has to work;
3. A way for people to come here legally to work and help support their family, in which we know who comes here, where they go, and know they go back home at the end of their time;
4. Then dealing with the approximately 12 million who are already  here illegally in a fair and compassionate way.  I prefer Senator Cornyn’s proposal that they have five years to go home where they can then apply to come back.

None of this discussion on other issues is relevant, though, unless we can control the border.

Securing our borders

Taking control of our border is a crucial first step towards immigration reform. Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, knowing who and what is coming across our border is vital to our national security. I support measures to secure our expansive and porous border, such as fencing and surveillance technology to aid our border security agents.

Guest Worker Programs

Many immigrants, both legal and illegal, play a key role in our economy. Many businesses count on their participation in order to be successful. 

I believe that we need some kind of new guest worker program, but I do not think that it is right to reward those who violate our laws by entering illegally or staying here illegally.  The same goes for those employing people illegally and falsifying Social Security numbers.  Additionally, there are many people who have been trying to follow the law, waiting patiently in their home country to have their application considered, and we should be fair to them.

There has been some progress on guest worker programs in the last several months, but much more needs to be accomplished. In addition, the federal government must prove itself capable of handling the technological and process challenges which interior enforcement and a guest worker program would pose.

It is a complex debate, and all proposals should be considered. However, we must be cautious to not make any decisions that could put additional economic strain on our country in these uncertain economic times.  Any reform should help make our nation stronger and better able to face the challenges of the future.

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