By Staff
As the Senate begins its consideration of a supposed compromise between Senate leadership and the White House, I have heard from many constituents on this emotionally charged issue.
Many of you share my concern with the alleged amnesty provisions in the bill. While the Senate is still negotiating a final version of the bill, we must stop illegals from coming into the United States in the future - not enhance their ability to enter the country and ‘fast track' their path to citizenship.
More than 11 million people have entered into our country illegally and are placing heavy burdens on our health care, education, and welfare systems and are not paying taxes.
Those who have come to our country illegally should not be rewarded and placed ahead of law-abiding legal immigrants who are willing to tackle the process of becoming an American citizen.
Our priority - first and foremost - must be to secure our borders and enforce the immigration laws already on the books.
To do that, those on the front lines must be given the tools necessary to combat the flood of illegal immigrants into the United States.
In the 109th Congress, we worked diligently to construct new border fencing, install new technology and infrastructure, increase the number of border patrol agents, and give them the tools they need to help fight this battle.
There is no doubt – we must reform our current immigration system to allow the process to work more quickly and more efficiently, without compromising our national security.
I look forward to debating this issue once a bill is brought to the House floor for consideration.
Class of 2007
This is the time of year when many young men and women are transitioning into a new phase of their lives. Proud parents and families throughout the First District and across the country are gathering at graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2007.
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking to the graduating seniors at Central Christian in Robertsdale.
With pride and anticipation, parents