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Congresswoman Jenkins Responds To Immigration Overhaul Principles

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last month, House Speaker John Boehner released his immigration overhaul principles to the House Republican Conference.  Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) released the following statement in response:

“There are a number of proposals to reform our federal immigration laws currently being discussed. The immigration principles shared by Speaker Boehner last month are for the purpose of continuing those discussions. I had not seen the document before it was shared and it has not been developed into legislation.

“My position is clear, I do not support amnesty or a pathway to citizenship that will benefit those who came here illegally at the expense of those who followed the law.

“America is a nation of immigrants and we must reform our legal immigration system to ensure we remain a place that welcomes the world’s best and brightest and those seeking a better, freer future. However, we are also a nation of laws and we cannot discriminate against those who have respected the law by giving special preference to those who have violated it. I believe in a step-by step approach where border security and strengthened internal enforcement mechanisms remain the starting point to solving this problem. Without control of our borders, immigration reform is ineffective and a foolhardy endeavor.

“Unfortunately, this administration has proven time after time that it cannot be trusted to enforce our laws. I have no confidence in the administration’s ability to enforce and administer a legislative solution that would run contrary to the president’s agenda. Given these circumstances, I am not convinced that responsible immigration reform can be achieved and do not support moving forward with immigration reform with the current administration in place.”

 

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