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Our nation is in desperate need of an improved immigration policy that will help prevent illegal immigration and protect our country from terrorists, while also ensuring that America remains a welcoming nation to those who want to come here legally. Our country was built upon the hard work and strength of immigrants. An open immigration policy has helped make American what it is today. Illegal immigration, however, creates an underclass of workers, creates a disadvantage for those who wish to enter our country lawfully and puts our nation's security at risk. Reform of our Nation’s immigration laws will create a system that is fairer, stricter, more consistent, and better enforced.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, there are an estimated 8 to 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the country. Of those, approximately 400,000 have standing deportation orders and another 15,000 may pose a national security risk. These are pretty scary numbers and something Congress must work to correct.
Last week the U.S. House passed H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. I am a co-sponsor of this legislation that will bolster Border Patrol and surveillance capabilities to establish operational control of our borders and prevent the unlawful entry of terrorists and potential criminals. Specifically it requires DHS and the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a joint strategic plan that will provide the Border Patrol with military support and increased DOD surveillance. It authorizes 1,000 new, full time port of entry inspectors over the next four years and the training of 1,500 additional K-9 units over the next five years. This legislation will also establish physical barriers and widespread, state-of-the-art surveillance technology, including cameras, sensors, radar, satellite, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, in order to ensure one hundred percent coverage of our borders.
The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 will put an end to the “catch and release” practice along the southwest border. This year alone, 115,000 illegal immigrants from countries other than Mexico have been apprehended by the Border Patrol, only to be released due to lack of detention space. To prevent this practice, this legislation will require mandatory detention for all illegal immigrants who are apprehended at U.S. land borders attempting to cross illegally, by October 1, 2006. This legislation authorizes new detention space for detention of illegal immigrants. By October 1, 2006, illegal immigrants who are released pending an immigration removal hearing will have to post bond of at least $5,000.
This legislation also prevents illegal immigration by controlling our borders and holding people accountable. H.R. 4437 achieves this goal by cracking down on employers hiring illegal workers, smugglers trafficking in human beings, as well as, confronting the emerging problem of alien gangs.
The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 will now be debated in the Senate. Although not a perfect solution, I believe this legislation makes a good first start on securing our nation's borders. We will continue working next year to improve our border security and enact a strict, fair and enforced immigration policy.
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