Immigration

Border security is the foundation of immigration reform legislation. We need to define a policy that establishes a balance between national security, economic reality and worker protection. An underground economy corrupts our society and places additional burdens on those who play by the rules, so we must ensure businesses hire legal immigrants and pay all required taxes. I support legislation that will impose strict penalties on those already in this country illegally and fines for employers who hire illegal immigrants.

We are a nation of laws and, as a nation of laws, we must defend our borders and enforce all our immigration, employment and tax laws. For over 180 years, the path to citizenship and employment has been legal immigration. We must ensure that immigrants wishing to come to America know that there is one and only one way to enter the country and the opportunities America offers.

When we look the other way and let illegal immigrants cross our borders and grant amnesty to the 11.5+ million immigrants already in the country, we are in effect encouraging illegal entry. One of our nations strengths is the flow of new immigrants who see opportunities others ignore. While immigrants should be allowed to stay and work legally, they should not be granted citizenship or work permits unless they go home, apply for legal entry, and wait like everyone else who enters the country legally. Illegal immigrants must understand that there are consequences associated with their illegal entry.

We must send a consistent message to all looking to partake of the American dream, the only way to American citizenship and employment is through legal channels.

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JOE ON THE ISSUES

• War In Iraq
• National Security
• Energy Independence
• Healthcare
• Environment
• Poverty
• Social Security
• Education
• Immigration
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Veterans
• 2nd Amendment - Bill of Rights

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