[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF H. RES. 351, EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF 
    REPRESENTATIVES THAT FEDERAL AUTHORITIES SHOULD STRENGTHEN AND 
            VIGOROUSLY ENFORCE ALL EXISTING IMMIGRATION LAWS

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                           HON. JOHN SULLIVAN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 2, 2007

  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, yesterday I introduced H. Res. 351, 
which offers a straightforward, common sense approach toward deterring 
illegal immigration, opposing the flawed policy of amnesty, and 
restoring the rule of law in our country by calling on Federal 
authorities to strengthen and vigorously enforce all existing 
immigration laws. The simple truth is that until we enforce the Federal 
immigration laws already on the books, it is irresponsible for Congress 
to consider any legislation that would grant amnesty to the estimated 
12-20 million illegal aliens currently residing in the United States.
  The policy of granting amnesty is a proven failure in our country. 
The Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986, which granted amnesty to 3 
million illegal aliens, did nothing to stem the tide of illegal aliens 
crossing our borders, but rather contributed to the explosion of 
illegal immigration our nation faces today. Additionally, granting 
amnesty to those who have illegally crossed our borders is fiscally 
irresponsible and would place heavy financial burdens on American 
taxpayers and Federal social programs alike. According to the Heritage 
Foundation, current amnesty proposals being debated in Congress would 
result in the largest expansion of the welfare state in over 35 years 
and could eventually cost American taxpayers an additional $30 billion 
per year.
  The failure of the Federal government to enforce existing immigration 
laws has put the integrity of our immigration system and the 
sovereignty of our great nation at risk. Years of lax enforcement has 
led to a massive influx of aliens illegally crossing our borders 
without proper identification, thus creating a strain on the economy, 
law enforcement at all levels, and public safety in communities across 
the country. Many cities across the country are actually encouraging 
illegal immigration by providing sanctuary to those who have broken 
United States law by illegally crossing our borders. Police departments 
in these sanctuary cities are actually forbidden from reporting 
immigration violations to Federal authorities, creating grave national 
security loopholes.
  I introduced H. Res. 351 because I believe that the enforcement and 
strengthening of existing immigration laws, the elimination of 
sanctuary policies and increased cooperation between Federal, State, 
and local law enforcement officials are all necessary steps in 
reestablishing the rule of law in our country, and providing a 
significant deterrent to illegal immigration.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution 
which is in both the economic and national security interests of the 
United States.




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