Representative John Carter (TX-31) - along with Representatives Bob Goodlatte (VA-06), Raúl Labrador (ID-01), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Martha McSally (AZ-02), and Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05)- introduced the Securing America's Future Act.
This landmark immigration legislation secures our border, refocuses legal immigration on skilled workers the United States needs, and deters future illegal immigration through interior enforcement.
"As a retired judge and a lifelong Texan, I've witnessed firsthand the impact that illegal immigration has on our safety and security," Congressman Carter said. "It's obvious that America's current immigration system is broken. Our vulnerabilities at the southern border have allowed dangerous cartel members, criminal illegal aliens, drug and human traffickers to infiltrate our country and endanger our communities. It has also left thousands in immigration limbo. Without strengthening our border security, the U.S. will continue to have a perpetually broken immigration system.
"The Securing America's Future Act implements a multifaceted approach to fix America's broken system. This legislation secures our border, strengthens interior enforcement efforts, and reforms our legal immigration system to bring skilled workers to the United States. This legislation is a tremendous step forward in putting America first and reinstating the rule of law."
Highlights of the Securing America's Future Act:
Authorizes border wall construction
Adds 5,000 Border Patrol Agents and 5,000 Customs and Border Patrol Officers
Implements a biometric system at all land, air, and sea ports of entry into the United States so we know exactly who is entering the country
Requires the use of E-verify
Increases criminal penalties for deported criminals who illegally return
Ends chain migration by eliminating green card programs for relatives other than spouses and minor children
Ends the visa lottery green card program
Gives individuals who received deferred action for being brought to the United States as a minor, 3-year renewable legal status.