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Washington, DC -- Congressman David Davis today issued the following statement regarding his trip to the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas:
“As I travel throughout the First District on a weekly basis and conduct telephone-townhalls, the top issue of national concern raised by constituents in the First District is illegal immigration. Being a hard worker and a firm believer in the fact that first hand knowledge is the best knowledge, I took advantage of the Congressional hearing and border visit offered to members of the Homeland Security Committee.
“Illegal means illegal. Amnesty should not be an option. I believe it is necessary to concentrate on building a fence on the Southern border while enforcing our laws that are already on the books. It is also important to establish a controlled temporary guest worker program. When thinking of the word guest, I think arrive, visit, and return home, and that is exactly what a temporary guest worker program should be.
“To help alleviate the illegal immigration problem, I have sponsored H.R. 2086. This legislation will enhance the integrity of the United States against the threat of terrorism by providing our state and local law enforcement agencies with necessary immigration training through the Department of Homeland Security. I have also co-sponsored H.R. 1940, legislation that aims to curb “birthright citizenship” by requiring one parent to be either a U.S. citizen, member of the active military, or admitted legally to the U.S. in order to attain citizenship.
“Serving on the Homeland Security Committee, I learn of terrorists, violent gang members, drug runners and human traffickers entering the United States illegally on a daily basis. The 9/11 Commission reported that up to fifteen of the hijackers could have been intercepted or deported through more diligent enforcement of immigration laws. It is vital and in the best interests of every American to have our porous borders secured.
“Border fencing in El Paso has been successful in deterring illegal immigration. Thanks to the efforts of the Border Patrol, the El Paso Sector saw a reduction in apprehensions by 38% in 2007 compared to 2006. The border at El Paso, Texas is a template for success. If we can extend this success to unsecured areas of our border paired with the enforcement of the laws on the books and a temporary guest worker program, we are on our way to solving the illegal immigration problem plaguing the United States.
“America's immigration system must be a strength, not a strategic vulnerability. Immigration as a strength instead of a weakness will ensure the safety of every Tennessean and American alike.”
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