Thread: US Rep. Walter Jones touts immigration issue in mass mailing

http://www.wilsondaily.com/Wil_region/L ... 192855.php

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Jones touts immigration issue in mass mailing

By Alex Keown Daily Times Staff Writer



Wilson County resident Jasper Stem says U.S. Rep. Walter Jones is tenacious when it comes to illegal immigration.

Stem, who lives in the 3rd Congressional District represented by Jones, praised the congressman for keeping illegal immigration issues in the forefront of his agenda.

And now Jones is taking those issues straight to his constituents.

Jones, a Farmville Republican, has mailed surveys to his constituents to gauge their thoughts on issues such as amnesty for illegal immigrants, border control, a national language and detention of arrested illegals. The title of the survey is "Illegal Immigration: Out of Control." In the survey Jones outlines his position on illegal immigration and other immigration issues.

Jones said he believes the direct-mail survey is a good way to gauge his constituents thoughts on illegal immigration. On several occasions Jones has been approached by constituents asking him to pressure Congress to reform the nation's immigration laws.

The survey comes just before Congress reconvenes. Jones said Congress will likely consider some legislation on immigration reforms expected to come before the House in the fall.

Jones' survey was paid for with taxpayer money.

Jones has long expressed concern over the growing number of illegal immigrants who have crossed into the United States — something he's likened to an invasion. Jones said now isn't the time to debate what happens to the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the country. He said that debate can occur after the borders are protected. One thing he said he will not support is an amnesty program.

Stem said he agrees with Jones' stance on illegal immigration, including shutting down the borders. He said he planned to send Jones' survey back, letting the congressman know he shares his belief.

"Too often congressmen are talking out the sides of their mouths, but I don't think that's the case with Walter when it comes to immigration ... he's been steady, raised Cain and fussed and fumed to get something done," Stem said.

Last year Jones voted in favor of legislation that increases border security, demands accountability by cracking down on employers hiring illegal workers and smugglers trafficking in human beings, and confronts the emerging problem of immigrant gangs.

Calls to El Pueblo Inc., a nonprofit Latino advocacy group based in Raleigh, weren't returned by press time.

U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield has also touted the need for additional border security. Butterfield, a Wilson Democrat, said he agrees with President Bush on the continuing need for a guest worker program. He said he's had numerous meetings with farmers about the need for a legal guest worker program.



alexjk@wilsondaily.com | 265-7847



Jones' Questions

AGREE OR DISAGREE?

GRANTING amnesty to illegal aliens sends the wrong message. Amnesty will only encourage millions more to break the law and cross our borders.

WE SHOULD improve control of our borders by using physical barriers, electronic surveillance and additional port-of-entry inspectors.

WE SHOULD require all illegal aliens apprehended by the border patrol to remain in custody until their deportation.

NEW CITIZENS should learn English to better assimilate into our nation and become a productive part of society. Government documents and our election ballots should only be printed in English.

Jones has long expressed concern over the growing number of illegal immigrants who have crossed into the United States — something he's likened to an invasion.

We're hearing the words invasion or invaders more and more all the time.