EMAIL REC'D FROM SEN. COBURN of Oklahoma
He answered my email to him even tho I am not a constituent!


Thursday, June 7, 2007


Today, the Senate rejected by a 42-54 vote Dr. Coburn's amendment to secure our borders.

The federal government has an obligation to secure the borders and enforce our laws. Yet, our borders are not secure and illegal immigrants are not being deported despite numerous laws on the books today. Because of this, the American public has lost confidence in the federal government's ability to secure our borders and enforce existing immigration laws.

Dr. Coburn's amendment (Amendment No. 1311) to the Senate immigration bill (S. 134 called on Congress to secure the borders and enforce existing immigration laws before new sections of the immigration bill can be implemented.

In a press release, Dr. Coburn said, “The American public cannot trust any new promises made by the Congress concerning immigration because the federal government has not kept its word. ... Congress’ broken promises have caused the American public to lose trust in the government’s ability to secure our nation’s borders and address our problems with illegal immigration. The first step in any immigration reform proposal must begin with securing our borders. Our country is based upon the rule of law and tolerating illegal immigration undermines this principle. This amendment is a step in the right direction to restore the public’s faith in Congress’ willingness to protect our nation by securing our borders and enforcing the law."

Click here to read more about Dr. Coburn's amendment to the Senate immigration bill.

For an immigration bill to receive his support, Dr. Coburn has said the bill must secure our borders and enforce existing laws, and it must not contain an amnesty provision of any kind. The bill must improve our visa system and prosecute those businesses which knowingly employ illegal workers. The bill must give law enforcement officials the necessary resources and authority to combat illegal immigration and deport those violating the law. The bill must not give illegal immigrants government welfare benefits of any kind. Dr. Coburn also supports designating English as our official language. He also believes we should reconsider the intent of the 14th Amendment regarding birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants.