House Backs Border Security Measure

House Backs Border Security Measure

December 17, 2005 -

Washington, DC - The U.S. House of Representatives voted 239 to 182 to crack down on illegal immigration, to institute real workplace enforcement against employers who hire illegal aliens, and to strengthen border security - including the construction of a 698 mile border fence across the Southwest.

"This legislation represents a landmark victory for advocates of tightening enforcement of immigration laws and border security," said Congressman Issa who helped craft the measure. "Ever since I came to Congress five years ago, I've told my colleagues that the House needs to take action to stop the costs and dangers posed by illegal immigration."

H.R. 4437, The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 includes provisions authored by Rep. Issa that create stringent minimum sentences for aliens illegally present who have been previously deported, aliens with past criminal records, and those who engage in the smuggling of aliens. The measure also includes a provision requested by Rep. Issa that creates a requirement that the U.S. Attorney General provide Congress with an annual report on efforts to prosecute criminal aliens.

Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner who championed the H.R. 4437 stated, "We are a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws - this legislation reinforces both of these values. This legislation aims to prevent illegal immigration and reestablish respect for our immigration laws. Those breaking the law will be held accountable, whether they are smugglers cruelly trafficking in human beings, employers hiring illegal workers, or alien gang members terrorizing communities."

Highlights of H.R. 4437:

Combats the hiring of illegal workers by requiring all employers to determine whether employees are legally eligible to work. The provision makes mandatory an employment eligibility verification system to confirm or deny the authenticity of Social Security numbers offered by new hires. This legislation will require all employers to check new employees against this database and increases civil and criminal penalties for knowingly hiring or employing an illegal worker.

Ends the "catch and release" gap in our nation's homeland security efforts. This year alone, some 120,000 illegal aliens from countries other than Mexico (OTMs) have been apprehended by the Border Patrol, only to be released due to a lack of detention space. This provision requires mandatory detention for all aliens who are apprehended at U.S. land borders attempting to cross illegally and requires all illegal immigrants apprehended at U.S. borders to remain in custody until removal from the country.

Ensure Coverage of Entire Border. Broadens the border fence and incorporates widespread, state-of-the-art surveillance technology, including cameras, sensors, radar, satellite, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), in order to ensure coverage of the entire border.

Increase Penalties for Alien Smuggling. Under current law, individuals convicted of alien smuggling crimes often receive lenient sentences. These provisions, incorporating Congressman Issa's Criminal Alien Accountability Act, H.R. 3150, would greatly increase criminal penalties for alien smuggling by establishing mandatory minimum sentences. These provisions were recommended by a panel of border-area U.S. Attorneys to make it easier to deport smugglers and illegal entrants.

Crackdown on Alien Gang Members. This provision would render alien street gang members inadmissible and deportable, and authorize the Attorney General to designate groups as criminal street gangs if they meet certain criteria. This provision also mandates the detention of alien street gang members and bars alien gang members from receiving humanitarian benefits.

Increase Penalties for Aliens Reentering Illegally. Incorporates H.R. 3150, introduced by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) that would stiffen penalties, including establishing mandatory minimum sentences, for aliens who reenter the United States after having been removed.

Barring Terrorist Aliens from Naturalization-This provision bars aliens who are terrorists or security risks from becoming U.S. citizens.

Joint DHS/DOD Strategy-Requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a joint strategic plan that will provide the Border Patrol agents with military support to increase surveillance along the border.

Authorize Additional Inspectors-Authorizes 1,000 new, full-time port of entry inspectors over the next four years and the training of 1,500 additional K-9 units over the next five years.

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