Thread: Tom Graves (GA9) Email Reply on Illegal Immigration

Thank you for contacting me regarding the issue of immigration. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on this important issue.

The number of foreign-born persons living in the United States is at the highest level since the early 20th Century, accounting for 12.6 percent of the population. Of approximately 38 million foreign-born residents in the United States, one-third are undocumented or illegal immigrants. It is clear that our current immigration system is in need of serious repair; our laws are inadequate and not always enforced. Therefore, it is imperative that Congress fix our immigration system to address the nearly 12 million undocumented immigrants living within our country- 8 million of whom are in our workforce.

Since my election to the House of Representatives, I have been outspoken on the issue of illegal immigration by showing my support for several bills introduced in the House by my colleagues. I cosponsored H.R. 878, the "Nuclear Family Priority Act" which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the extended family visa categories. In the past, our immigration laws have allowed citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring in their non-nuclear, adult family members. This "chain migration," as it is known, is the primary reason legal immigration in this country has quadrupled in the past 50 years.

One of the reasons increasing illegal immigration is detrimental to our society is because it impacts all of the government services that our tax dollars provide. That is why I have also cosponsored H.R. 2406, the "Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2009." This bill would not only assist state and local enforcement agencies in combating illegal immigration, but it would authorize the Federal government to reimburse states and localities up to $400 million per year for the costs of detaining and incarcerating illegal aliens. Not only do illegal aliens seek residency in the United States to take advantage of the taxpayer-funded services our country provides, but often it is the individual rights bestowed upon our country's citizens that encourage others to reside here illegally.

In an effort to combat illegal residency, I have cosponsored a bill that would make it more difficult for the children of illegal immigrants born in the U.S. to gain citizenship. H.R. 1868, the "Birthright Citizenship Act" would eliminate the practice of automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to two undocumented residents. In other words, citizenship would be granted to a child only if they are born of at least one parent who is a citizen or national of the United States, lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S., or an alien performing active service in the Armed Forces.

In conclusion, I support reforms that strengthen our borders and provide more resources, technology and training to the Department of Homeland Security and the Border Patrol to keep illegal immigrants out of our country. We must enforce our immigration laws, and I oppose any reforms that disregard current statute. Furthermore, I will not support any legislation to grant amnesty to individuals who have illegally entered the United States. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security with jurisdiction over this issue, please be assured, should this issue come before the committee or to the House floor for a vote, I will be certain to keep your thoughts in mind.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding this important issue. If you have any other questions or comments, please do not hesitate to let me know.


Sincerly,
Tom Graves
Member of Congress

12 million illegals? There are a million in GA alone. First, we need to admit to the shear madness of the problem.

Too bad he has no plans to penalize employers, which would go a long, long way to helping with a solution. Getting rid of the anchor baby would be nice, but these people are not leaving. We need to yank services, free benefits and jobs paying cash out from under them.