U.S. Rep. Sensenbrenner: Statement on Milwaukee Rally
3/23/2006

CONTACT: Raj Bharwani
(202) 225-5101

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to the rally in Milwaukee today, Menomonee Falls Representative Jim Sensenbrenner issued the following statement:

"The illegal alien rally held in Milwaukee today was an impressive show of force. But I do not believe that illegal aliens should receive legal government documents, such as driver's licenses. Many have tried to confuse the difference between legal and illegal immigration. Illegal aliens should not be granted amnesty and a path to citizenship. This would be a slap in the face to all those who have followed the law and have come to America legally.

"The first step in any immigration bill must be regaining control of our borders. Without strong border security provisions, we would have an ineffective and incomplete law that would be doomed to failure from the start.

"Illegal immigration is an expensive problem for law-abiding citizens. Americans and legal aliens have to pay more for police protection, for classrooms to educate our children, and for hospital and healthcare costs. This burden on the taxpayer is wrong. It undermines the economy, and it puts undue pressure on people to pay even more in taxes to pay for those who are here in America.

"Our immigration policy has been and will continue to be debated in Congress. Last year, the House of Representatives took the first step in passing the Border Security, Anti Terrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act (HR 4437). The Senate in a few weeks will be debating an immigration package.

"America is a compassionate nation that should continue to be the land of opportunity. But the best way to help illegal aliens is by stopping illegal immigration."