[Congressional Record: May 2, 2007 (Extensions)]
[Page E930]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr02my07-71]

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin ... ih.txt.pdf

INTRODUCTION OF H. RES. 351, EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THAT FEDERAL AUTHORITIES SHOULD STRENGTHEN AND VIGOROUSLY ENFORCE ALL EXISTING IMMIGRATION LAWS
______

HON. JOHN SULLIVAN

of Oklahoma

in the House of Representatives

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, yesterday I introduced H. Res. 351,
which offers a straightforward, common sense approach toward deterring
illegal immigration, opposing the flawed policy of amnesty, and
restoring the rule of law in our country by calling on Federal
authorities to strengthen and vigorously enforce all existing
immigration laws. The simple truth is that until we enforce the Federal
immigration laws already on the books, it is irresponsible for Congress
to consider any legislation that would grant amnesty to the estimated
12-20 million illegal aliens currently residing in the United States.

The policy of granting amnesty is a proven failure in our country.
The Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986, which granted amnesty to 3
million illegal aliens, did nothing to stem the tide of illegal aliens
crossing our borders, but rather contributed to the explosion of
illegal immigration our nation faces today. Additionally, granting
amnesty to those who have illegally crossed our borders is fiscally
irresponsible and would place heavy financial burdens on American
taxpayers and Federal social programs alike. According to the Heritage
Foundation, current amnesty proposals being debated in Congress would
result in the largest expansion of the welfare state in over 35 years
and could eventually cost American taxpayers an additional $30 billion
per year.

The failure of the Federal government to enforce existing immigration
laws has put the integrity of our immigration system and the
sovereignty of our great nation at risk. Years of lax enforcement has
led to a massive influx of aliens illegally crossing our borders
without proper identification, thus creating a strain on the economy,
law enforcement at all levels, and public safety in communities across
the country. Many cities across the country are actually encouraging
illegal immigration by providing sanctuary to those who have broken
United States law by illegally crossing our borders. Police departments
in these sanctuary cities are actually forbidden from reporting
immigration violations to Federal authorities, creating grave national
security loopholes.

I introduced H. Res. 351 because I believe that the enforcement and
strengthening of existing immigration laws, the elimination of
sanctuary policies and increased cooperation between Federal, State,
and local law enforcement officials are all necessary steps in
reestablishing the rule of law in our country, and providing a
significant deterrent to illegal immigration.

I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution
which is in both the economic and national security interests of the
United States.