Legal immigrants have made many positive contributions to our
nation in terms of economic growth and cultural heritage. However,
while we have benefited greatly from legal immigration, illegal
immigration continues to put us all at risk. Gaining control over our
borders means protecting the American dream for all our citizens and
legal immigrants. There is a very real threat – not just posed by
illegal aliens and drug smugglers, but by terrorists who target our
very freedom. Safe communities begin with secure borders.
Once we have secured our borders, we must turn our attention to
the more than 12 million illegal immigrants already residing here. I
do not support amnesty for those individuals who have broken our laws
and will work to deport those individuals who have become a financial
and social burden on our society. I believe that we must establish an
Employer Verification System that is easy to use and provides timely
feedback to employers. Any employer that continues to knowingly employ
illegal aliens should be assessed heavy fines and penalties.