[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2540-E2541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IMMIGRATION LAWS WORK

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                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, the New York Times once again 
misses the mark with its latest immigration editorial, ``Wrong Paths to 
Immigration Reform.''
  The Times wrongly suggests that the 287(g) program should be used 
only for serious criminals.
  As one of the authors of the legislation that created 287(g), I can 
testify that Congress created 287(g) to let state and local law 
enforcement officials help enforce all immigration laws, not a select 
few.

[[Page E2541]]

  When it comes to Sheriff Arpaio, the Times laments that his ``raids 
use minor infractions like broken tail lights as pretexts for mass 
immigration arrests.''
  In fact, minor infractions can ensnare major bad guys. As the Times 
itself reported in another story, accused Dallas terrorist Hosam (Maher 
Husein) Smadi was pulled over for ``a broken tail light'' before he was 
arrested for terrorist activities.
  This is a powerful reminder that enforcing immigration laws against 
all those who violate them can prevent crime.

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