Thought I would share this letter from my congressman from Louisiana.

Dear Dot:



Thank you for contacting me regarding immigration reform and your opposition to a proposal recently unveiled by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (TX) and Representative Mike Pence (IN-6). It is good to hear from you on this important issue.



As you know, the U.S. Senate passed its version of immigration reform legislation on May 25, 2006. The Senate bill includes tighter border security, sanctions for employers who hire illegal workers, a guest worker program to allow immigrants to seek legal work in the United States, and provides a path to legal status for most of the 11 million illegal immigrants said to be living in the United States today. I am opposed to amnesty and will not support legislation that will enhance or reward illegal immigration. I do not support the Senate passed immigration reform bill and will work with my colleagues in the coming months to produce a strong, effective immigration reform bill.



The House of Representatives took an important step in strengthening immigration policy in December by passing H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. This legislation, which I supported, will help strengthen our national security, prevent illegal immigration, improve accountability and enforcement in our immigration system, and restore the integrity of our borders and respect for our laws. H.R. 4437 increases penalties for alien smuggling by establishing mandatory minimum sentences and will stiffen penalties for illegal aliens who re-enter the United States after having been removed. The bill bars illegal immigrants who are potential terrorists or security risks from becoming U.S. citizens. It will also end the "catch and release" policy and requires mandatory detention for all illegal aliens apprehended at the U.S. borders and allows for quicker deportation for illegal aliens. Finally, H.R. 4437 calls for building an additional 700 miles of fortified, double fencing along the Mexican border.



America faces a crisis on our borders. Securing our borders and fixing the illegal immigration crisis demands Congress takes action now. While I am encouraged that the House and Senate passed legislation and can now enter into a conference committee to resolve the differences between the two bills and move toward final passage of comprehensive immigration reform this year, the two chambers remain sharply divided on the issue.



In an effort to move Congress forward in reaching a compromise on a revised immigration policy, Representative Pence and Senator Hutchinson joined together to develop the Hutchinson-Pence plan. Representative Pence has stated that they do not intend for their proposal to be adopted as a compromise between both chambers, but rather as a tool for continuing debate. In the coming months, the House of Representatives is embarking on a series of field hearings throughout the country to seek input from the American public. Please be assured that as Congress continues this process, I will keep your views firmly in mind.



Again, thank you for contacting me on this important issue.



Sincerely,

Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D.
Member of Congress