Thread: Lawmakers Push Bord. Sec. as Reid Steps Back from Immig. Ref

Lawmakers Push Border Security as Reid Steps Back From Immigration Debate

FOXNews.com

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's decision to re-prioritize climate change may put immigration reform "back to square one" but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say that's just where Congress needs to be -- securing the border before dealing with millions of illegal immigrants already in the United States

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's decision to re-prioritize climate change may put immigration reform "back to square one" but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say that's just where Congress needs to be -- securing the border before dealing with millions of illegal immigrants already in the United States.

A bipartisan group of House members was sending a letter to President Obama on Wednesday asking him to deploy National Guard troops to the U.S.'s southern border to assist Border Patrol agents. They note that Obama can act without requiring Congress to pass legislation.

"I support immigration reform but that means that you secure the border first," Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., said Wednesday.

"We protect the borders of other nations better than our own," added Ted Poe R-Texas.

Giffords, who represents the district that borders Mexico and is south and east of Tucson, said she spoke with a Border Patrol agent who described night time activity down there as "western. It gets violent and dangerous."

She said the threat from violence associated with illegal entry into the country is real and Arizona is "sick and tired" of living in fear.

In the letter, the lawmakers note that assaults against Border Patrol agents increased 46 percent from 752 incidents in 2007 to 1,097 incidents in 2008, and that with the violent drug war across the border from El Paso, Texas, could spill over.

"We urge you to deploy the National Guard to the US-Mexico border, as has been requested by a number of border state governors and Members of Congress. We ask that any National Guard troops that are deployed should be provided with very clear guidance of proper rules of engagement and should be armed and allowed to defend themselves if fired upon or attacked," reads the letter.

On Tuesday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the southern border in Arizona is as safe as it ever has been.

"I know that border I think as well as anyone, and I will tell you it is as secure now as it has ever been," Napolitano said.

"The Border Patrol is better staffed than at any point in its history -- more than 20,000 personnel. Since 2004, the number of boots on the ground along the southwest border has increased by 80 percent," she told a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Napolitano argued that border security has stopped many illegals from attempting to cross the border, saying six or seven years ago, the number of illegal apprehensions in the Tucson sector was 600,000 whereas now it's 200,000.

After threatening to bring up immigration reform -- and losing the critical support of GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham on both immigration and a climate change bill -- Reid said Tuesday he doesn't have an immigration bill to bring to the floor for debate.

That angered Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., the most vocal supporter of changing immigration law. But Gutierrez said he is confident Congress can pass both pieces of legislation this summer.

"I guess we’re back to square one,: he said. "This is a roller coaster here. But I’m used to it. I take the anti-nausea medicine. I go up and down and the heights and thrills don't give me pain any more," he said.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04 ... olitics%29

"We protect the borders of other nations better than our own," added Ted Poe R-Texas.

Ain't that the TRUTH!!!

The Borders are as secure as they have ever been? Is this the same as saying "the Borders are no more secure than they ever were?"

The problem with sending National Gurad to the border is that it is a temporary fix. The Guard will be ordered not to stop or apprehend anyone. Once the Reform/Rewards Amnesty bill passes, the Guard will be ordered away. Border Patrol funding will be slashed and the tsunami of illegal immigrants will resume.
Please insist on Reading the Reform Bill BEFORE it comes to a vote. Many current enforcement measures will be cut as part of "comprehensive immigration reform". All the progress we have made in the past 5 years will be eliminated. We will be back to :Immigration is a Federal Issue"
It was not that long ago that no one was "allowed" to ask about legal status, even when arrested for serious crimes. There were no numbers on crimes committed by illegals because police were not "allowed" to ask about status.
We still have no verifable numbers on how many illegal workers are here? How many school children are illegal immigrants? How many hospitals are struggling due to unpaid medical bills of illegal aliens? How many auto accidents are the result of illegals driving with no license or insurance? How many ITIN filers were given subprime mortages? How many ITIN filers are audited each year?
America can NOT AFFORD to turn back the clock and give up everything we have worked for in demanding Federal Law be enforced.

Support any and all efforts at local enforcement. The Federal government refuses to protect American citizens. Encourage State leaders to enforce the law and speak out loadly against any politician who remains silent or opposes law enforcement.