Immigration

A Nation Which Cannot Control Immigration Cannot Prevent Terrorism.

Illegal immigration is one of the most important political issues facing our nation. The economies of Latin American countries are not prospering largely ecause their governments do not enforce rule of law. Ironically, the presence of 11 million illegal aliens in the United States is a result of our failure to enforce immigration laws. Neither the immigrant workers nor their employers face substantive consequences for breaking the law.

Our nation's economic policies regarding the desire for cheap labor and our immigration policies are in conflict. Unfortunately, the State Department and the Immigration and Naturalization Service are incapable of enforcing the law. Local law enforcement is told that the federal authorities will not respond when local officials try to enforce the law.

Immigrant Workers Must Pay Their Own Way

If we are to have immigrant workers in our country, they must be here legally. We can no longer afford to simply look the other way. Because the solution to this issue is in the hands of Congress, I have proposed to members of our congressional delegation a process which would ensure that the costs of enforcing worker visas is borne by the immigrant workers and their employers, not the American taxpayer. This can be accomplished by requiring a bond before worker visas are granted. This bond will provide that there is someone in the American free enterprise system who has an economic interest in ensuring that the worker complies with the terms of his visa. If not, a bounty hunter paid for by the worker and his employer will ensure compliance.

More Insight

Here are a series of insightful articles addressing our immigration challenge. Enjoy!

Private Sector Solutions to Failed U.S. Immigration Policies and Practices
By Howard Stephenson, co-authored by Jeff Adams

Immigration & Self-Government: The American Challenge
By Alan Keyes

Patriots, Then and Now
With nations as with people, love them or lose them.
By Peggy Noonan

Rule of Law at Stake in Immigration Debate
By Edwin Meese III and James Jay Carafano

An Open Letter on Immigration
From the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council

Letter to President George W. Bush and All Members of Congress
By the Independent Institute