Thank you for contacting me regarding illegal immigration. It is good to hear from you, and I share you concern.

As you know, illegal immigration penalizes those legal immigrants and citizens who play by the rules. A recent study found that there are over ten million illegal aliens currently living in the United States. This population grows by over 350,000 each year. Clearly, this situation has reached crisis proportions and cannot be allowed to continue.

The fight against illegal immigration starts at our nation's borders. If we cannot control who enters our country, such as illegal aliens, then we cannot control what enters our country, such as illegal drugs. Simply strengthening the Border Patrol, however, is not enough to stop illegal immigration. For years, weak enforcement and confusing provisions in immigration law have allowed illegal aliens to stay in the country for years without punishment. Deportation cases often lasted for years -- even decades in some instances. The Border and Transportation Security Directorate in the Department of Homeland Security needs to be able to act in a rapid and firm manner to find and deport illegal aliens.

As you may know, H.R. 4313, the TRUE Enforcement Act, was introduced by Representative Duncan Hunter of California, and would create a border security fence from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico with 25 additional ports of entry. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will incorporate fencing, infrastructure and technology to prevent illegal crossings. Additionally, this legislation requires the DHS to fully implement a computerized entry-exit system and authorizes thousands of new Border Patrol officers, immigration investigators, attorneys, and immigration judges. Furthermore, the TRUE Enforcement Act increase penalties and prevents employers from hiring illegal aliens through an improved Social Security identification card and verification system.

The TRUE Enforcement Act was introduced on November 14, 2005, and was referred to the House Committees on Judiciary, Homeland Security, Ways and Means, and Government Reform. No further action has taken place. Rest assured, as a member of the Committee on the Judiciary, I will keep your views in mind as this legislation moves through Congress.

Legal immigration has blessed our nation with talent, diversity, and a commitment to freedom and the rule of law. Illegal immigration flaunts that law and mocks our system of justice. It costs our taxpayers billions of dollars every year, while taking jobs from law-abiding citizens and legal residents.

I appreciate you taking the time to contact me. I feel it is important to keep an open line of communication so I can best serve the interests of the 6th district. I hope you will continue to be in touch as the 109th Congress debates issues of importance to the United States.

Again, thanks for the benefit of your comments. Please feel free to contact me whenever I may be of assistance.

Sincerely,


Bob Goodlatte
Member of Congress