Thread: Wink and a nod enforcement problem according to Congressman

I received this surprising response from Congressman Adam Putnam of Fl. in regards to my opposition to illegal immigration. He hits the nail on the head when he says "The current system often treats people who are here illegally with a wink and a nod. The effect is to grant these illegal residents a kind of amnesty by saying we won't enforce existing law. Laws that are not enforced invite disregard for other laws. And as respect for the law is one of the cornerstones of citizenship, we must establish enforceable laws that address the issue of people living here illegally."
I called his office and spoke with a staffer and told him that Congressman Putnam messed up and told the truth for once, the crux of the problem is the refusal of our (?) government to enforce our laws, that is not an excuse to CHANGE the law. Non-enforcement IS the problem. I reminded him that when he took his oath of office he swore to obey and enforce the Constitution including Article Four, Section Four which requires the federal government to 'Protect the States from invasion...and domestic violence' NOT to excuse or amnesty the law breakers.
I also told him NOT enforcing the law for a certain group of people while others have to obey the same law establishes a 'Special Class' of people ABOVE the law thereby insituting Un-Equal Protection of the law when the Constitution REQUIRES EQUAL PROTECTION under the law. Isn't Equal Protection what the civil rights marches were all about EQUAL Protection requires Equal prosecution for those who break the law, you can't have one without the other.

Mark

--- On Tue, 4/28/09, Cong. Adam Putnam <imafl12@mail.house.gov> wrote:

From: Cong. Adam Putnam <imafl12@mail.house.gov>
Subject: Responding to your message to Rep. Putnam
To:
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 6:23 PM

Dear Mr. :



Thank you for your recent correspondence concerning illegal immigration. I appreciate hearing from you.



I share your concerns regarding illegal immigrants in our country and the need to protect and secure or borders. I would like to outline for you three principles that must be a part of any immigration reform.



First, we must finish the job of securing our borders. Border security is fundamental to any nation and of particular concern in this time of terrorist attacks. For too long we have tolerated porous borders. So, we must continue the work we have begun and establish a firm schedule for completing this task.



Second, we must enforce our laws - but we must also have laws that are enforceable. The current system often treats people who are here illegally with a wink and a nod. The effect is to grant these illegal residents a kind of amnesty by saying we won't enforce existing law. Laws that are not enforced invite disregard for all other laws. And as respect for the law is one of the cornerstones of citizenship, we must establish enforceable laws that address the issue of people working here illegally.



Finally, I believe it is in our national interest to make major reforms to the way in which people become American citizens. The United States has always been a land of opportunity, and it should continue to be so. But we should extend this opportunity in a way that makes sense and which helps us keep America 's economy strong through a stable, sound and legal workforce. In a nation with historically low unemployment and a growing economy, we should give particular encouragement to people who understand and appreciate the founding principles of this nation, who have the education necessary to succeed, who speak English and who want to assimilate into our culture and truly become Americans.



I do recognize that immigration is a vital part of our culture and history, and sound immigration policy is critical for some sectors our economy. However, we are also a nation of laws, and we must not reward those who by illegally crossing our borders or staying here past their visa's visitation period. In addition, while I am not opposed to measures that will reform the immigration process to give consideration to those who wish to immigrate to our country legally, this process must take place in a manner upholding the integrity of our legal system and place strong emphasis on the protection of our nation's national security.



I know some believe that the failure of current policies is reason not to attempt comprehensive immigration reform. While I can appreciate the sentiment, ultimately it strikes me as defeatist. If we continue to do the same things, we cannot expect to achieve different results. Since the current law went into effect more than 12 million people have taken up illegal residence in our nation. It is precisely because the current policies have failed that we must try new ideas. But let me be clear: I will not support a measure simply for the sake of trying something new. Any new ideas must be rooted in fundamental American principles such as real border security and real law enforcement.



I was very pleased that House Republicans made immigration, particularly border security, their number one priority during the 109th Congress. During that session of Congress, House Committees held 22 field hearings around the country to examine the problems at our borders, and the Republican Policy Committee, which I chaired at the time held unprecedented public forums. Congress passed many measures designed to crack down on illegal immigration and unfortunately the Senate took little action on those House measures.



However, I am concerned that as the 110th Congress came under new leadership, the progress made in enhancing border security and passage of immigration enforcement legislation was negatively impacted. Now that we are in a new Congress with different priorities, I am not certain that current House leaders will take a strong stance on immigration. During the 111th Congress, I will continue to put immigration on my list of important issues.

You may also note that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has achieved much administratively to protect and secure the United States by beginning to turn the tide against illegal migration to the United States . These actions include the deployment of fencing and technology along the southern border; the implementation of unprecedented immigration enforcement efforts and operations; and the hiring of additional Border Patrol agents to meet the department's goal of employing 18,000 agents.

Since January 2008, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed or returned more than 323,000 illegal aliens from the United States , roughly a 20 percent increase over the previous year. Throughout the year agents made more than 1,100 criminal arrests and more than 5,180 administrative arrests, a 27 percent increase over the previous year's total arrests in worksite enforcement actions. Additional information regarding illegal immigration enforcement actions can be found at the following url: http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1229609413187.shtm



Immigration and border security are complex issues, and many aspects go to the heart of who we are as a nation. Reforming our immigration policies is something that must be considered carefully and not taken lightly. These policies help define America because the policies define who will become Americans.



I value your concerns and thoughts, and I will keep them uppermost in my mind as the Congress continues to work on this issue.



Again, thank you for contacting my office. If you are experiencing difficulties with a federal agency, are interested in legislation that is pending before Congress or wish to express your opinions, please visit my website at www.adamputnam.house.gov. If you would like additional updates on this and other issues please signup for my e-newsletter at http://adamputnam.house.gov/signup.shtml.



May God continue to bless America .





Sincerely,
Adam Putnam
Member of Congress

wavleyg Thank you for this post.

Get to work ICE and DHS DEPORT THEM NOW

wavleyg, great post. I was surprised that the Congressman was so forthcoming. He made some valid points.

Oh my goodness, a politician with common sense.

I know some believe that the failure of current policies is reason not to attempt comprehensive immigration reform. While I can appreciate the sentiment, ultimately it strikes me as defeatist. If we continue to do the same things, we cannot expect to achieve different results.

It depends on how Putnam interprets "comprehensive immigration reform" which has generally been used as a euphemism for mass amnesty.

I hope he supports attrition through enforcement (rather than "pathway" amnesty) as the primary way to deal with the 12-20+ million IAs in the country.

Excellent post! Finally a decent response from one our politicians!

RED ALERT:AMNESTY IN THE WORKS!!
"PLEASE TAKE ACTION"
CONTACT INFORMATION:
http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-154674.html

I worked on Capitol Hill for 4 years. Putnam is VERY pro-amnesty. He comes from a citrus empire and has fought enforcement time and time and time again. When he ran the GOP conference he did EVERYTHING in his power to stop to anti-amnesty Republicans. Look at his voting record And look who gives him $$$!!

Voting record here:
http://grades.betterimmigration.com/tes ... &VIPID=954

Pro-enforcement R's and D's in Congress ARE THRILLED he is leaving the House.

IheartAmerica WELCOME, welcome to ALIPAC.

Your input is totally appreciated.