Thread: Email received from Rep. Geoff Davis, Ky.

Continuing the Fight for Immigration Reform

Last week's protests demonstrated that our nation's immigration policies remain an emotional issue for many Americans. I hear regularly from constituents who are concerned with illegal immigration, so I want to update you on several related issues Congress is working to address.

First and foremost, I remain opposed to amnesty. Rewarding illegal immigrants with the benefits of citizenship sends the wrong message to those who came to our country legally. The legislation favored by the Senate during the 109th Congress, as well as the President's proposals for immigration reform, are fundamentally flawed. We must continue to emphasize immigration reform that focuses on border security first.

Recently the Department of Transportation announced a pilot program that would allow pre-selected and screened Mexican trucking companies to haul freight within a commercial zone that extends twenty miles north of the border. These trucks would be subject to rigorous safety audits by U.S. inspectors, including thorough reviews of driver records, insurance policies, drug and alcohol testing, and vehicle inspections. Like Canadian carriers, the Mexican trucks would not be allowed to haul point-to-point domestically in the U.S.

I understand the concerns with this program which is why I am taking proactive steps to ensure that this does not lead to further breaches in our border security. I am co-sponsoring H.R. 1773, the Safe American Roads Act of 2007. This legislation would require additional safety measures and public review of the pilot program. The legislation would also require the Department of Transportation to submit a report to Congress on the results of the pilot program within 60 days of its completion.

The promotion of honest, legal trade among neighboring countries is beneficial to our nation. Canada and Mexico are our first and second largest international trading partners. The total of our trade with these two nations totals approximately $1 trillion dollars each year. I will continue to monitor the implementation of this pilot program.

During the 109th Congress much was accomplished to strengthen security at points of entry into our country, especially at the southern border. The Secure Fence Act of 2006 authorized construction of a 700-mile border fence. Congress also appropriated $21.3 billion in additional funds to improve border security and the enforcement of immigration laws. We have made significant progress, but we can and must do more.

I am co-sponsoring H. Res. 18 expressing disapproval of the Social Security totalization agreement between the United States and Mexico. Totalization agreements are intended to coordinate benefits for workers and to prevent double taxation for those who work abroad during their careers. In 2002 alone over 166,000 Mexicans became permanent U.S. residents, giving strong support to those who say this agreement would cost billions and possibly further endanger the solvency of the Social Security program.

I strongly believe this agreement should not go any further. Social Security is a benefit designed to provide support for retired American citizens who worked in the United States. We must shore up the system for those Americans who have paid into the system for decades. We should not expand the system to provide benefits for time immigrants worked here illegally.

I will continue to keep you posted on our efforts in Congress to control illegal immigration, enforce our nation's laws, and improve our border security.
Rep. Geoff Davis, Ky.

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