Members of Congress Facing Immigration Questions During Summer Recess

Friday, August 20, 2010, 8:50 AM EDT - posted on NumbersUSA

With the exception of a quick special session by both the House and Senate to approve a $600 million supplemental spending bill to be used for border security, the month of August is typically used by Members of Congress to return to their home districts and reconnect with their constituents through Town Hall meetings. This August, Democrats and Republicans are facing questions from citizens in their district on the issue of immigration.

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.), who has the best career immigration-reduction grade from the Maryland delegation, an A, commented on border security and the 14th Amendment. On the issue of border security, Rep. Bartlett bragged about his voting record, which shows a history of him voting in favor of every bill that provides funding to build a border fence or sends troops to the border. On the issue of Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment, Rep. Bartlett said, "I think this would be a reasonable debate to have."

Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla.) came under some fire after Arizona passed its tough immigration enforcement law by writing a letter to Florida state legislators, urging them not to follow Arizona's example. While he did stand by his letter, he used one of his Town Hall meetings to publicly endorse Florida gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum. McCullom is recommending that Florida pass legislation similar to Arizona.

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), who is one of the leading Democrats in reducing overall immigration numbers, said at one of his Town Hall meetings that attrition through enforcement is the way to go.

“Most people who are sneaking across the border — other than drug smugglers and potentially terrorists — are coming here to work. If you cut off what I call the employment magnet, then people are going to stop sneaking or paying people to bring them across the border," Rep. DeFazio said.

“If we strained out all the people who are sneaking in to get work, then you're suddenly only dealing with criminals. That becomes an easier thing to deal with in terms of a law enforcement issue and the use of force against these people.â€