Thread: NATION: Support Romney, E-Verify to curb illegal immigration

NATION: Support Romney, E-Verify to curb illegal immigration

KEN CALVERT
Published: 04 March 2012 01:00 AM

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has stated several times that if illegal immigrants were unable to find a job in the United States, they would self deport. Romney is exactly right and we have the experience to prove it: If illegal immigrants are unable to find employment, a driving factor for illegal immigration, they will return home. The only way to ensure that Americans and legal residents are getting American jobs, and illegal immigrants are not, is to mandate the use of E-Verify.

States such as Alabama and Georgia have made news recently because of the enactment of state immigration laws, including mandating that employers in the states use E-Verify. The news that you won’t hear is that unemployment has steadily dropped in these states as well.

Obviously, many factors go into the unemployment rate and a direct correlation between E-Verify and unemployment may be hard to demonstrate. However, it is also telling that states that have not enacted E-Verify versus neighboring states that have, on average experience a higher unemployment rate: California at 11.1 percent vs. Arizona at 8.7 percent; Florida at 9.9 percent vs. Georgia at 9.7 percent; Colorado at 7.9 percent vs. Utah 6 percent.

The state and local support of mandatory E-Verify also debunks the “myth of the monolith,” and that Latinos would not support a candidate that has a sensible immigration policy stance. The fact is that Latinos have much in common with conservatives, such as Romney, including: strong family values and support for traditional marriage; small business and entrepreneurial acumen; support for educational choice; cultural conservatism that protects the Right of Conscience rule; and high participation in military service.

What’s missing is a national standard so that one state is not shifting the problem to its neighbors, allowing the U.S. to speak with one resolute, but humane, voice. In fact, a recent poll shows overwhelming support for mandatory E-Verify. A Pulse Opinion Research poll of 1,000 likely voters found that 78 percent of respondents favor mandating that all employers electronically verify the immigration status of their workers.

As the original sponsor of E-Verify I know that most independents, conservatives, and many moderate Democrats support a “high fence but wide gate” immigration philosophy.

Unfortunately, the legal process is a long and arduous one and that is why I support improving the legal process and have passed legislation to make it simpler and more humane. However, when it comes to enforcing our borders and workplaces, the first step Congress must take is to end the magnet that draws people here illegally — jobs.

99.5% accurate

E-Verify is now being used by more than 330,000 businesses. Use of the program is mandatory for Congress, the entire federal government and federal contractors. Six states have made it mandatory. The program is 99.5 percent accurate and most employees who are authorized to work in the U.S. receive an instant “green light” to work.

Last June, I, along with the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), and Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) introduced the Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 2885). The bill would mandate that all employers use E-Verify within two years of enactment, with an exception for the agriculture community which would have additional time to comply. There are 13 million Americans who are unemployed. Making E-Verify mandatory would ensure that American jobs are going to American workers and legal residents.

A jobs magnet

Gov. Romney understands the basic premise of the jobs magnet. He also stated his willingness to enact mandatory E-Verify which is more than our current and past presidents have been willing to do. It is time to elect someone who understands our immigration challenges and has the political courage to do what is right for Americans.

Romney has the policy credentials and wise and humanitarian leadership we need to bring about a uniform law of the land that will ensure that American jobs only go to American workers and legal residents. He will also ensure that those here illegally have the opportunity to humanely self deport over time and get in the back of the line in their home countries to apply for a work visa, citizenship or a new guest worker program for seasonal industries such as agriculture. Americans want us to enforce our borders and ensure that jobs are going to Americans and legal residents; now, we just need the right man to take the lead.

Ken Calvert, R-Corona, represents the 44th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

source: NATION: Support Romney, E-Verify to curb illegal immigration | Breaking News | PE.com - Press-Enterprise