Buchanan Statement on Immigration Reform

Buchanan Statement on Immigration Reform

Buchanan says put border security first

"I support the president but I respectfully disagree with any approach to solving the problem of illegal immigration that doesn't put border security first. Securing the border must come first, before any guest worker program or any other plan that offers citizenship to illegal aliens. We should not tie border security to guest worker programs. Securing the border should be our top priority.

I support a border security plan that includes the following:

* temporary use of the national guard to secure our border.
* construction of a high-tech fence along those areas of the border where most illegal crossings occur.
* more border patrol officers to bring the number of agents to an effective level.
* the use of technology to utilize more ground sensors, cameras, and reconnaissance flights.
* the end of ‘catch and release' through adequate detention facilities for those caught entering America illegally.

No amnesty

I do not support guest worker programs that lead to amnesty for illegal aliens. Instead, we should build a system of identification and documentation of those illegal aliens already in our country. This would include a tamper resistant ID card similar to what the president described, with biometric features and information that clearly identifies who the holder is. This is a necessary first step while we decide if we want to pursue guest worker programs. The ID card would be phased in during the next two years, and no one would be eligible for work without it.

Once the ID card is in place, businesses hiring illegal aliens without one would face significant fines. Our intent with the ID card is to document, not legalize.

English must be our national language

English must always be the national language of the United States. Learning English must be a component of any plan to allow illegal aliens to stay or re-enter the United States. It is clear that our traditional immigration patterns have changed and that we are facing unprecedented waves of illegal immigration. We should act now to further secure our national identity and language.

To protect, not punish

We seek to protect our nation, our people, and our laws. We do not seek to punish those already here. The goal of immigration reform must be the protection and defense of America. We are a nation of immigrants. My grandparents were immigrants. But they were legal immigrants. We want to encourage those who seek the freedom and opportunity America offers but we want to encourage legal immigration that protects our national identity and culture."

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