[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 165 (Monday, December 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2622-E2623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 BORDER PROTECTION, ANTITERRORISM, AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION CONTROL ACT 
                                OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4437) to 
     amend

[[Page E2623]]

     the Immigration and Nationality Act to strengthen enforcement 
     of the immigration laws, to enhance border security, and for 
     other purposes:
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Chairman, I am deeply concerned about a 
bill of this type ``The Border Security Act of 2005'' coming to the 
floor of this chamber.
  This bill does not adequately achieve our common goals of a 
comprehensive immigration policy that protects our borders while 
humanely seeking to address the many workers who are already in this 
country.
  We realize that 9/11 taught us that our nation must address our 
national security along our borders from the north, south, east and 
west. Unfortunately, this bill is not the way to go in addressing this 
very important issue.
  Statistics have shown that barrier fences have never worked to deter 
migration. The fences proposed in this legislation would be disastrous 
to the environment. It would destroy half of our national park land and 
many endangered species would be at risk if a massive fence was built 
in this territory.
  This is why I have joined with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American 
Nursery & Landscape Association, and Americans for Tax Reform, 
Associated Builders and Contractors, National Restaurant Association, 
National Retail Federation, Small Business & Entrepreneurs Council, 
Society of American Florists and the American Bar Association in 
opposing this bill.
  For centuries, America has prided herself on welcoming those who felt 
that our country could give them a better way of life. The statue of 
Liberty in the Harbor of New York was that symbol of hope. Where is the 
promise and hope in this legislation?
  Furthermore, this bill does nothing to address judicial review. As it 
now stands, the current detention practices are extremely expensive. 
The overall cost for detention is over $1 billion a 2 year. On average 
over 22,000 detainees are in custody each day. Detaining members of 
vulnerable populations who are likely to appear for hearings and are 
not a threat to society is a misguided use of taxpayer's dollars. Using 
detention as the only way to ensure compliance is a costly practice. A 
formal hearing would expedite the process and save time and money.
  Finally, if this bill is enacted provisions of this legislation would 
deny citizenship to babies who are born in this country by parents who 
are not citizens and would become law. These are not the principles of 
America.
  As a Nation we need to address serious comprehensive immigration 
issues. As a Congress, we need to get to work and complete a bill that 
reflects the needs and concerns of the entire country.
  I would be happy to vote for an immigration bill that actually 
protects the interests of the American public, small businesses and 
makes our Nation secure. H.R. 4377 is not that bill.
  I urge a no vote on the Border Security Act of 2005.

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