Immigration Policy Should Honor the Law & All Americans

By Congressman Joe Barton
Published: 06-06-07
 
When writing and debating legislation Congress must ask two very important questions:  “Is this good for Americans today?” and “Will it continue to be good for Americans in the future?”  These questions are especially true in the debate over illegal immigration.

In 1986 lawmakers thought they were doing the right thing by providing amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants.  This “fix” was to ensure that a defined population was made legal and that Americans would be protected from having to deal with such a problem again.  Anyone who entered illegally after the “fix” would face deportation and criminal charges for reentry. 

Fast-forward twenty-one years and you may hear a familiar tune.  It seems some politicians and interest groups are out to score another fix – again at the expense of Americans’ best interests as we will only encourage more illegal entries with any new amnesty.  This time there can be no “one-time only” refrain. 

We are again at the crossroads of the immigration “reform” agenda.  I have watched the debate unfolding and I hear repeatedly that our country needs immigration reform.  Reform in these terms is code for turning a blind eye to the laws currently on the books.  In my mind what needs reforming is our federal government’s attitude about enforcement of our immigration laws and securing the border.  I have no doubt that ours is a country that can accomplish anything we set out to do if we have but the courage and the will. 

As citizens we are all Americans despite our cultural religious or political differences because we are bound by a social compact that is built upon the rule of law.  “Amnesty” occurs when an illegal immigrant is allowed to stay in the country rather than be deported as required by the law.  By rewarding illegal behavior it encourages others to break the law and enter the country on their terms rather than comply with the nation’s system.  Not only does amnesty encourage further illegal immigration it is an affront to those who play by the rules patiently waiting their turn to enter the country legally.  I am completely opposed to amnesty and will not support efforts to reward illegal behavior.

I have listened to the debate underway in the Senate.  I am proud that our Texas Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn have been outspoken about the glaring problems in the Senate bill as introduced.  The Senators have said their goal will be restoring the integrity of our borders providing guest workers with opportunity not amnesty and preserving our social security for all who legally qualify.  I also support Senator Cornyn’s amendment to permanently bar terrorists gang-members sex offenders smugglers repeated drunk drivers felony absconders and other dangerous criminals from ever being granted legal status to remain in the U.S.

Let me be clear I do not fault or dislike people of the world for seeking out a better life for themselves and their families in the U.S.  I understand the intense desire for steady employment and a pay check for a hard day’s labor.  But I cannot accept that we should have an underground system of labor in this country.  There is a solution that would give businesses the ability to instantly verify applicants for employment and allow a necessary amount of legal workers into the country to fill jobs where American workers are not available.

We have too long persisted under a system where we preach rule of law while at the same time casually look the other way as our borders are overrun.  It’s time we get serious not only about border security but also about interior enforcement.  This effort will take the cooperation of our federal state and local governments as well as our business community. 

As the search for a solution to our nation’s influx of illegal immigrants heats up in Washington it will be essential that any final product not only address the issue as it stands today it will also prevent the issue from being passed on to future generations.