The issue of immigration is clouded in propaganda. When one side says the phrase “immigration reform” the other side hears “amnesty.” When that side says, “enforcement” the first side hears “discrimination.” This is a result of mixed messages, inconsistent policies, and political pandering. The honest truth is that there has not been a significant change in legislation regarding immigration for decades. Politicians claiming successes on any side of this issue are not telling you the truth.

 The Constitution charges the Congress, “To establish a uniform rule of naturalization.” This document was not haphazardly written. The word uniform is there purposefully and means what it says, one set of rules for all seeking to naturalize. That is the first fundamental truth to establish. The debate must begin from a uniform, legal process to naturalize.

The Fourteenth Amendment states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Again, not haphazardly written. Those born in the United States and those naturalized (by uniform rule) are citizens. By law, all others are not.

 Those who are not born citizens and desiring citizenship must follow the uniform rule of naturalization. The first legislative priority must be to ensure the uniform rule functions properly for those who follow it. The biggest obstacle to aspiring citizens is the length of time for the legal process (approximately 12 years). This is due to a number of factors. Many cannot be shortened, such as background checks for national security purposes. Others can be improved.

 If the economy is in recession and unemployment is high, Immigration and Naturalization cannot induce large numbers of immigrants into the country. This problem is compounded when illegal immigrants occupy some of the limited number of jobs. Stiffer penalties for employers who knowingly violate the law combined with a better economy with a thriving private sector produces more jobs. This facilitates larger numbers of immigrants and therefore, shorter waits. This puts immigration priority on those who follow the law.

There is a group that has not followed the uniform rule of naturalization through no fault of their own. These are children who were brought illegally to the United States by their parents and had no control of their residence. As Americans, we do not punish children for the actions of their parents. The biggest problem with this issue lies in defining these children. They must be clearly legislatively identified. Until Congress does this, others will use these children as political cover for their own agendas.

The uniform rule of law for immigration directs immigrants to use a port of entry. An immigrant cannot simply walk across the border to begin the process. That has no legal standing. The Border Patrol and the border fence are there to serve a law enforcement and counter-terrorism function. The Border Patrol’s mission is not anti-immigration. Any portrayal otherwise is simply dishonest.  It is provable reality that it is more difficult for terrorists and drug cartels to enter this country because of the border fence and a strong border patrol. It is also a fact that the border Patrol and the border fence are absolutely no hindrance to legal immigration.

 Immigration is not an issue of race, but of the law, as directed by The Constitution. The law is blind. It protects the law abiding.

As your Congressman, I will fight for a better economy as a means of improving immigration opportunities. I will fight for the human rights of displaced children. I will fight for a secure border to protect American citizens.