A nation without secure borders is no nation at all. The current problem of illegal immigration and lax border protection is creating massive problems for Florida and America. It jeopardizes our safety, as well as the abuse of taxpayer dollars to pay for social programs, resulting in the loss of thousands of Floridian jobs. As we are fully aware, when the government subsidizes something, we get more of it. The government provides a myriad of federal welfare benefits to those who come to the U.S. illegally, including food stamps and free medical care.
What is seldom discussed in immigration debates are the incentives the U.S. government provides to people entering the United States illegally. Moreover, the financial impact of unfunded mandates on the State of Florida to provide services to illegal immigrants and their children. The RLC is committed to supporting legislation aimed at securing our borders against those who desire to harm us, and preventing further job losses and wage suppression due to illegal immigration.
Additionally, the threat of terrorism by illegal and thus untraced immigrants is very real. It is a very sad state of affairs when terrorists talk of coming here and inflicting harm on us, and Washington places more importance on protecting the borders of Iraq and Kuwait and the DMZ of north and south Korea than they do in protecting the borders of the United States.
If we look back at the root of the problem, Congress passed legislation in the 1960’s that has led to greatly increased legal immigration. Then, in 1986, Congress approved an amnesty for illegal immigrants and promised that it would be a one-time amnesty. Since then, Congress has allowed massive illegal immigration and current estimates of illegal immigrants range anywhere from 12 to 30 million.
We need sufficient numbers of Americans to work together to convince Congress to enforce our present immigration laws, improve our border security, and reject all amnesty and guestworker bills. Specifically, we propose:
Physically secure our borders and coastlines. We must do whatever it takes to control entry into our country before we undertake complicated immigration reform proposals.
Enforce visa rules. Immigration officials must track visa holders and deport anyone who overstays their visa or otherwise violates U.S. law. This is especially important when we recall that a number of 9/11 terrorists had expired visas.
No amnesty period. No rewards or benefits should come from breaking our laws.
No welfare for illegal aliens. Americans have welcomed immigrants who seek opportunity, work hard, and play by the rules. Taxpayers should not carry the burden for illegal immigrants to use our hospitals, clinics, schools, roads, and social services.
End birthright citizenship also known as anchor citizenship. As long as illegal immigrants know their children born here will be citizens, the incentive to enter the U.S. illegally will remain strong.
Pass true immigration reform. The current system is incoherent and unfair. But current reform proposals would allow up to 60 million more immigrants into our country, according to the Heritage Foundation. Legal immigrants from all countries should face the same rules and waiting periods.
In order to protect the safety of Americans, their jobs and resources, we must secure our borders. With the threats against our nation, it makes no sense to fight terrorists abroad when our own front door is left unlocked.
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