Congressional Record: May 11, 2006 (House)]
[Page H2554-H2555]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr11my06-79]

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THE VOICE OF AMERICA

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time of
Mr. Jones.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. Poe) is recognized for 5 minutes.
There was no objection.
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the American people expect action regarding the
porous borders of the United States. They expect and deserve
leadership. Here is what some Americans are saying about our porous
borders in correspondence they have sent to me.
Terrence Griffin from Spring, Texas, writes, ``I am angry and fed up
with the inaction and lack of leadership for immigration reform. Vote
`no' on amnesty. Illegal means illegal. Secure the borders first. We as
Americans feel like thrown away stepchildren. I am taught that charity
begins at home. America looks weak and reckless when it chooses to
secure the borders of other nations, feed people of other nations and
protect other nations when America is left unprotected, unsafe and
unsecure.''
Mr. Speaker, Mr. and Mrs. William Wainscott in Dayton, Texas, write,
``Vote against amnesty and providing social services which are
supported by the taxpayers. This has gone too long and too far. Our
government law enforcement officials look the other way while our
country is being invaded by people who choose to violate and disregard
our system, that system being of legal entry and immigration. These
illegals represent a major burden on taxpayers. They not only take away
low-paying jobs, they take away good jobs. I should know. It is
extremely difficult for an American citizen to get a job in the
construction field because of the number of illegals getting reference
in hiring. I speak from experience as a welder and a fitter. Because of
preferential hiring practices of construction companies, the American
has to look elsewhere for his employment.''
Tracy Blackburn in Spring, Texas, writes, ``A Los Angeles attorney
brought into the case last week by the Mexican Consul General's office
in Phoenix plans to file another motion claiming Maricopa County
Attorney officials are violating State and Federal law because
supposedly it is the Federal Government's job to control illegal
immigration. Well, why is the Mexican Consul General able to use a
local lawyer to try to prevent enforcement of American law? They are
not U.S. citizens, what gives these people these rights? I am fed up
with the illegal trespassers coming in here and demanding rights that
they obviously do not have.''
I also received a correspondence from a high school student from
Humble, Texas. Jack writes to me, ``I just wanted to express to you my
feelings as part of the generation that will soon be voting. Though it
is hard to get our voices out, as we are immediately hushed under the
complaints of racism, many of my classmates, whether they are white,
black or Hispanic, feel that the restriction of illegal immigrants is
obviously a necessary action.''
Further, Mr. Speaker, I have received correspondence from Richard of
Houston. He says, ``As Texans, we are on the front lines of this
illegal invasion. If we fail to act, the future of our children, the
next generation of Texans, is obviously at risk. I urge you to take all
possible measures available, including support of local border law
enforcement agencies, with the Texas National Guard to stop the threat
to security and to our economy. Texans have always stood tall in the
face of threats to our State and Nation. Because of the failure of
national leadership, it is now this generation of Texans' turn to
defend our land.''
I have also received correspondence from Patricia in Houston. She
says, ``I am writing to let you know how I feel about the immigration
issue. We have laws in effect that are not enforced. The illegal
immigrants are breaking the law. They come over here and they do not
want to melt into the melting pot of people. Please vote to shut down
our borders and build a wall. I will even go down there and volunteer
to help build that wall if necessary. You might be surprised how many
people would volunteer to help build such a wall. And how dare people
compare themselves to the immigrants that were our ancestors. They
wanted to be Americans. They even changed their names to be more
American. These people are taking Texas back one baby at a time and we
are just allowing them. Most Americans, specifically those on the
border States, feel that we need to close the border but are afraid of
being called a racist. It has nothing to do with race, it has
everything to do with the law.''
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I received several cases of bricks from an
individual down in Texas. With the cases of bricks that he has sent me
this letter, ``I am

[[Page H2555]]

sending you these bricks in support of an increase in the border
security of the United States. These bricks should give you a start in
building a wall. The American public demands some solutions to our open
borders. A comprehensive border plan must include a security wall in
some places, better technology, more funding of personnel for Border
Patrol, and overall increased security presence on the southern border.
When our borders are secure, then we can discuss the aspects of illegal
immigration issues. We are tired of open borders, uncontrolled
immigration, terrorist infiltration, criminal alien gangs, and all of
the other horrors that arise due to our defenseless borders and
unenforced immigration laws.''
Mr. Speaker, the voice of America continues to cry out for us to
enforce the rule of law, protect the dignity and safety of the American
people. Government's number one job is public safety, and public safety
starts at the border.
We have an obligation to stop the illegal invasion and stop the
colonization of our country and homeland by foreign nations. Failure to
do so will result in America being lost to foreign nations without even
firing a shot. And that's just the way it is.