IFIRE.org

IFIRE Announcements and Discussion Forum
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 3:48 pm

All times are UTC - 6 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 1 post ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Congressman Mike Sodrel's View on Illegal Immigration
PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 5:13 pm 
Offline

Joined: Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:32 pm
Posts: 42
Location: Seymour
Immigration and Border Security



Rep. Sodrel believes in strong border security measures and limited legal immigration. Before the U.S. Congress can consider any immigration reform, Rep. Sodrel believes Congress must demonstrate to the populace they are serious about securing the U.S. border. Amnesty for illegal aliens is a proven failed policy as demonstrated by previous attempts in 1986. This type of immigration policy rewards law breakers, encourages more illegal immigration, weakens our national security and punishes those who tried to come to America through the legal process.


· H.R. 4437, The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005: Rep. Sodrel believes border security must be addressed prior to any action on immigration reform. To improve border security, protect national security and stop the flow of illegal immigration, Rep. Sodrel supported H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act on December 16, 2005.

Highlights of H.R. 4437:

o Improves operational control and security at all U.S. borders and ports by hiring 1,000 new port inspectors, 8,000 new border agents, and establishing physical barriers and incorporating state-of-the-art surveillance technology to ensure 100 percent coverage of U.S. border;

o Eliminates the practice of “catch and release” and authorizes the expedited removal of all aliens apprehended within 14 days of entry;

o Reorganizes the border security agencies under the Department of Homeland Security to improve efficiency and cooperation and eliminate bureaucracy for a more flexible, coordinated border enforcement operation.


· Protecting Funding for Border Security: The U.S. Border Patrol needs the tools and equipment necessary to carry out its mission of protecting our borders. Rep. Sodrel voted against an amendment (H.Amdt. 1008) to the Fiscal Year 2007 Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill that would have cut important border security funds by $96 million to increase spending on Amtrak. Unfortunately, the amendment passed on June 13, 2006.


· Stopping Deported aliens from Re-entering United States: When the U.S. Border Patrol catches an alien trying to cross the border, the agency deports the person only to have the person try again until he or she is successful. To discourage this type of behavior, Rep. Sodrel cosponsored H.R. 3150 to impose mandatory sentencing requirements on aliens who illegally reenter the United States after being deported. Similar criminal penalties are also extended to persons who aid or allow a person to reenter the country.



· Assisting Border Patrol Secure the Border: Rep. Sodrel understands the negative impact a porous border can have on U.S. national security. Terrorist and drug dealers can exploit this weakness to move weapons and drugs into our country. To assist the U.S. Border Patrol, Rep. Sodrel voted for an amendment (H.Amdt. 206) Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization Bill to authorize the Secretary of Defense to U.S. troops along the border to assist efforts with the U.S. Border Patrol. The amendment passed the House 245-184 on May 25, 2005.


· Building the Infrastructure to Prevent Illegal Immigration: The United States has a 1900 mile border with Mexico making it difficult for the U.S. Border Patrol to police the whole area. Rep. Sodrel voted for H.R. 418, the REAL ID Act of 2005, to authorize the completion of a fence in San Diego, CA. This area is one of the most traffic heavy ports of entry between the United States and Mexico and a complete fence is needed to prevent illegal entries and protect our national security.


· Eliminating Barriers to Expedited Deportation: During the El Salvadorian civil war, a federal judge ruled illegal immigrants from this country could not be deported without a trial before an immigration judge. The civil war is long over in El Salvador and some federal judges have expanded the precedent in this case to other nationalities forcing delays in deportations of illegal aliens. To ensure those people here in the United State illegally are subject to the expedited process under current law, Rep. Sodrel cosponsored H.R. 5457.


· Providing the Resources to Protect the Border: Rep. Sodrel supported the Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill when it passed the House on June 6, 2006. This bill contained $19.6 billion for border protection and immigration enforcement. This amount is a $1.6 billion increase over the previous year. Part of this funding includes $3.98 billion for the Secure Border Initiative to provide DH with the new tools and resources to prevent terrorists and other criminals from breaching our borders. Highlights include:

$2.33 billion for border security, adding 1,200 new Border Patrol agents, for a total of 13,580;
$4.1 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), adding 1,212 officers, for a total of 11,500;
$273 million for transportation and removal of undocumented aliens;
$115 million for border security technology and tactical infrastructure;
$200 million for 28 Fugitive Operations teams for a total of 80 nation-wide; and
$105 million for the Criminal Alien Program, including 40 new agents.


Top
 Profile E-mail  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 1 post ] 

All times are UTC - 6 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group