Congressman John Mica response to my letter on Immigration: Thank you for contacting me in regard to recent proposals that have called for immigration reform. You taking time to share your opinion with me on this important and controversial matter is most appreciated. I wanted to share with you my principals for any acceptable reforms of our immigration system. As the grandson of immigrants, I am an advocate of legal immigration. That being said, I share your concerns about some of the immigration proposals that have recently been offered both by our President and Members of Congress. The Obama Administration and some in Congress have announced calls for immigration reform. Most of these new proposals are guised in a cloak of so called reform and feature, as their primary objective, granting amnesty. This is often referred to as a so called “pathway to citizenship.” I cannot support immigration reform that attempts to reward an illegal act by establishing a preference for acquiring citizenship. Entering the United States illegally is a felony under federal statutes. To improve our immigration system, the Administration must first enforce our immigration laws and secure our borders. These will be strong deterrents to illegal entry. Immigration reform does not mean granting legal status to those who have entered the U.S. illegally. Granting amnesty in any manner would reward those who enter the country illegally and is not an acceptable option in any reform measure. I remain supportive of expanding legal immigration, responsible guest worker programs and entry of non-competitive professionals and investors who expand U.S. business and employment. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration has taken steps that undermine our national immigration laws. The Federal action against the State of Arizona’s decision to protect their citizens and enforce Federal immigration law is a blatant example of that misdirected policy. The Administration’s suit against Arizona argues that it is solely the Federal Government’s responsibility to enforce immigration law. In fact, it is the failure of the Federal Government to secure the border and protect American citizens that led Arizona to believe it necessary for state action. Any sovereign state should be able to protect the security of its citizens and enforce Federal law if necessary. The current Administration’s immigration policy centers on empty rhetoric and misguided actions. The Federal Government has left the states with unstable borders, mounting violence and limited resources to fight illegal immigration, while at the same time, it has handicapped their ability to enforce existing laws. Again, let me state clearly that any proposal in which illegal immigrants are provided a path to citizenship—or amnesty as most would call it—is not an acceptable option. In a speech at American University the President said, “We can create a pathway for legal status that is fair, reflective of our values and works.” Granting legal status or granting benefits to those who entered America illegally is not reflective of our laws, is not fair to those who have followed the law, and does not protect and preserve American values. Unfortunately the Administration and some in Congress continue to ignore the majority of the American people who believe that the first immigration priority must be to secure our borders and eliminate special benefits for those here illegally. True immigration reform measures must focus on strengthening immigration enforcement and border protection, ensuring fair and equitable immigration and enforcing our laws. Be assured that I will consider all proposals and will weigh them carefully. Should you have any questions pertaining to this or other issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 14:53:30 +0000
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