For Immediate Release
May 18, 2007
Media Contact: Ray Yonkura
(202) 225-2676
Jordan Opposes Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants
Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) today criticized the immigration reform proposal put forth by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts), the Bush Administration, and others as an attempt to enact “back-door amnesty” for those who entered the country illegally.
“Until we get control of our borders, we will never truly solve the problem of illegal immigration,” said Jordan. “Border security must come first.”
Jordan noted progress in improving security when he joined his colleagues and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on a tour of border security construction projects in Arizona earlier this year.
He said that he expects robust debate on the Kennedy proposal in Congress, but still believes amnesty sends the wrong message to American families.
“We are a nation of laws, and giving blanket amnesty to those who break the law violates our core American principles,” Jordan said. “Amnesty is nothing more than rewarding illegal behavior by giving criminals the fruit of their crime.”
Jordan added that there are problems with the current legal immigration system, but does not believe the Kennedy proposal is the answer.
“America is a nation built on legal immigration. We should continue to welcome those who want to follow our laws, learn our language, and become Americans,” he said. “But this proposal will usher lawbreakers to the front of the line--ahead of those who are following the rules. That is the wrong direction for America.”
