Thread: Reply from Congressman Mark Foley, Florida

May 4, 2006




Dear Diana,

Thank you for contacting me about America's illegal immigration
problem. I appreciate hearing from you on this critical issue.

While the debate over border security and immigration reform
continues, we must keep in mind two important facts. First, our borders
are not secure; we continue to remain vulnerable to terrorist threats and
illegal aliens spilling over our borders. Second, there are currently an
estimated 11 to 14 million illegal aliens already within our borders.

As the grandson of immigrants, I know as well as anyone that our
country was founded by hardworking families who came to America
looking for a better way of life. However, my family - as well as
millions of others - came here following the laws. They came by the
boatload through Ellis Island, Galveston, or other ports of entry -
legally. They did not sneak over the border or defy immigration laws.

In this post September 11th era, we need to ensure that we are in control
of the flow of those coming into our country more than ever because
the threat is greater than ever before.

We need to have additional immigration personnel on the ground to
process the claims and make sure no one falls through the cracks while
improving our border security with more border patrols and the newest
technology. While we have been blessed that no other attacks have
occurred during the past five years, we cannot afford to let our guard
down.

Once we have addressed increased border security, there is no question
we must address what to do with the millions of illegal aliens who are
already here. The burden placed on our nation's infrastructure by those
who do not pay taxes is too great. Our hospitals, schools, and welfare
offices are busting with people who keep taking without having the
opportunity to give back in return. Our policy must acknowledge that
our economy partly reflects the many illegal aliens who are here while
our government - the taxpayers - bears the burden.

The only immigration policy we should have is one that is good for
Americans, first and foremost. That should not include blanket amnesty
for illegal immigrants - we cannot lead the world to believe we have an
"open" sign at the border. But it should recognize the realities of who
is working now in America. Blanket amnesty would be a slap in the
face of those who have spent numerous years and countless dollars to
immigrate to American legally. The guiding principles of any plan
must respect those going through the proper legal channels.

We must stop the current "catch-and-release" policies of our federal,
state and local law enforcement and, instead, implement a "catch-and-
return" policy - returning caught aliens immediately back to their
country of origin. We also need to make sure that those already here are
not criminals or human rights violators. Criminals should not be
allowed to enjoy the benefits of the freedom our country provides.

Whatever plan Congress ends up agreeing to must be one that is
responsible, fair and workable. But in the meantime, we need to
continue increasing border and port security so we can know who and
what is coming onto our shores and into our country at all times.

Again, thank you for contacting me, and please let me know if you'd
like other information.


Sincerely,

Mark Foley
Member of Congress

Interesting that he talks of the burden illegals have on social services etc etc. Well get this: if these people are legalized do you think the burden will increase or decrease....well duh!...Legalization will open up doors to welfare 99% of illegals can't access right now....................

yup same letter I received.....